Will an ES44DC work on 18" radius?

Go Big1

Member
I am thinking about pulling the trigger and getting a loco with DCC & Sound, and this ES44DC caught my eye. First, will this loco run on a layout with 18" radius turns. And if it runs ok, would it still look a bit silly?

I really don't know all that much about engines, so any help would be appreciated.
 

CRed

Member
I'm not sure,but I don't think so.If it does,yes it would probably look out of place a bit.

Chris
 

MasonJar

It's not rocket surgery
Depends on who makes it... The manufacturer will usually state a minimum radius for operation, and may add a minimum recommended for better operation and appearance.

Andrew
 

green_elite_cab

Keep It Moving!
It might. I know a while back someone asked if an Athearn AC4400CW would fit. It does, but you have to have a lot of clearance, and it might not be able to pull cars because of the overhang. Its might be worth it to buy, but it might not run well.
 

CRed

Member
If it's a Tower 55 model they recommend a 22" radius so the minimum may well be 18 or 20 inches,but as mentioned you may have problems with over hang and such.

I've had a T55 model before and really liked it,it's about as close to brass as you're going to get.

Chris

Chris
 

EvoMan454

New Member
To answer your question, I don't think so. Even if it did fit, it would look very silly, and the outside of the locomotive will hang over the entire track (In the middle of the loco) Leaving most of the track visible in the middle of the loco. If the couplers are body mounted, you can forget about pulling cars. With a loco that size, even truck mounted wouldn't do much. You definitely wouldn't want it if you want your layout to look realistic. Most factories will recommend 22" radius curves on most 6 axles because not many companies make snap track into curves of a higher radius and they want entry level model railroaders to be able to run those big engines without flex track. But that doesn't mean it'll work nor look good. For me, I wouldn't get that diesel with anything less than 26" curves. That is still kind of tight, but it is the largest radius curve that'll fit in a 5 foot wide space with about 5-7 inches of space between the track and the end of the table other than 28" if my math is correct: 28 degrees= 56 inches in diameter with 56 inches equaling 4.6 feet. Thats 6 inches between the track and the end of the table. You can fit a larger radius in 5 feet, but your track will come close to the edge of the table. But I could be off a little.
 

Go Big1

Member
Thanks everyone for the responses. It sounds like I should just stick with 4 axle engines for the most part. That's really ok with me, I am just getting anxious to get a new DCC loco with sound, and saw that loco on Ebay.
 

EvoMan454

New Member
If you really think later on you'll change your curves later you should get it. But f you are sure your curves will stay the same than you should stick to four axles.
 
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