MTH ES44AC fixed pilot curve rating?

I've gone to all fixed pilot, 2-rail MTH locos- my curves are very broad, but I would think 072, or even a slight bit smaller, would work. It's basically due to the freight car connected to the rear, and the amount of swing it requires. 

 I will be operating on 081 and 072.  What couplers are you using kadee?

Not an exact match, but close - I was running an MTH SD70ACe with scale wheels on 3-rail track, 0-72 curves, with Kadee 743 (short-shank) couplers. Worked fine with Atlas 2-rail (with Atlas couplers) rolling stock. If I recall correctly, the standard-length couplers work too, but the gear box might have to be trimmed. AGHRMatt has posted about them. Might have been where I got the info.

David

They do fine over 46" curves and even less. Some detailing is necessary to bring them up to speed.

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

They do fine over 46" curves and even less. Some detailing is necessary to bring them up to speed.

That would be 46" RADIUS curves?  In other words 092 curves in 3-Rail terms?

Hot Water posted:

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

They do fine over 46" curves and even less. Some detailing is necessary to bring them up to speed.

That would be 46" RADIUS curves?  In other words 092 curves in 3-Rail terms?

Yes, HW.

 from the MTH site:

"Operates On 42" Radius Curves "

I have this loco and have run it on o-72 curves with success, but you need to install either long or medium-shaft kadees.  As Jeff mentioned, make sure you attach a short car behind the loco that doesn't have too much swing-out on the curves.

Engineer-Joe posted:

 from the MTH site:

"Operates On 42" Radius Curves "

  

Thanks everyone I appreciate your help.  I was looking for real world experience that's why I asked the question Joe.

Brandon  

I have several of these, well at least I think I do? They run anywhere on my layout without issue. I have some tighter curves inside yards and they do it well. I just can't post what would be their minimum as I've never tested that. I can say that my larger cars are pickier than this engine about radii. It is in posts here that when you run longer equipment, it matters what you pair them up with.

 You stated O72 so I'm thinking that your using three rail terms? Maybe post this question or others on the 3 rail scale forum for users that run on 3 rail track with fixed pilots and scale couplers?

 I know you'd be happy with one. I started with a couple of MTH, and now I have many more than I wish to divulge.

 So let's see, I have some ES44s in CSX, Demo, BNSF, NS heritage (2 I sold),.....???

I use all KDs except for some cars that aren't converted yet.

If there's something specific that you want me to test them on, I will. I do have some small new Atlas curves that aren't used on my layout yet.

Rated at 42" radius (O-84), but my ES44AC Hybrid handled 36" radius (O-72) with the test car coupled (flat and kink-free curve). This was with the scale wheels in place and pickup rollers installed running on the club layout. With the hi-rail wheels, it should be no problem, but keep in mind that you have to watch coupling long cars with a longer distance between the bolsters and the end sills (86-foot box cars, 89-foot flats, autoracks, etc.) as they move farther off-center through curves -- way off center on very sharp curvves.