What radius do you run your 400e on?

My 400E's run best on 072 or higher. They were designed for 042 and definitely NOT smaller diameter curves! 

Also try greasing the front truck bearing blocks so they slide properly with the spring tension. BTW, your springs on those trucks were likely damaged by the shorting and need replacement!

Alright, I'll grab some 42" radius curves, thanks!

Also, the springs are fine, the shorting was from the wheel & axle, not the springs & frame. They pop off because when the locomotive swings out fast enough the cylinders bump the wheels and knocks them off the track.

Rail Chief cars need 72 diameter or the vestibules will bind.

42 diameter for the 400E. 

There is no stock curve of 32 diameter. if it is 32 radius it would have no problem as that is 64 diameter.

A 400E is Standard Gauge and runs on Standard Gauge track O72 is O gauge track.

F&G RY posted:

Rail Chief cars need 72 diameter or the vestibules will bind.

42 diameter for the 400E. 

There is no stock curve of 32 diameter. if it is 32 radius it would have no problem as that is 64 diameter.

A 400E is Standard Gauge and runs on Standard Gauge track O72 is O gauge track.

That's correct. The 'O' in O72 stands for O gauge. Standard gauge track should be denoted STD72. There is no standard gauge track curve smaller than STD42 to the best of my knowledge. I use STD72 with my 400e. It will run on STD42, but not when double heading.

George

I must have 42 then.

My 400E runs on 42” but does derail occasionally. Works best on my 57”.

Steve

George,

   You are absolutely correct on both counts.  STD72 is the correct nomenclature.  072 designates O Gauge Track, for O Gauge Trains.  Lots of people get this confused and use the wrong nomenclature.   

PCRR/Dave

It will run OK on 42 and better on 72, but runs best on USA Track's 87!

Bob Nelson

They will run on 42, however some of the engines have a shorter drawbar and that can cause the front of the tender to rub the back of the engine on tight curves.

Scott Smith

Go with STD72 if at all possible and grease those axle blocks so they slide up and down easily. Trucks will derail more easily especially on STD42 if not lubricated! :-)

When I got my MTH type 400E, the lead trucks did not like the 42 curves (which at the time was all I had. Noticed that the whole movement of the trucks left to right seemed restricted, some filing of the slot that it slides on will help. Also check the gauge of the front wheel pairs, if tight, that won't help either.

I personally never had any wheel gauging issues with my many repro 400E's but I did notice front trucks having a tendency to ride up even on STD72 and 84 diameter curves until I greased those axle bearing blocks. Just sayin...

It is important to use grease and NOT oil on those front pilot trucks.