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@GG1 4877 posted:

The answer is ......

....... maybe ......

The models are tested on a 54" radius for 2 rail operation, but that doesn't mean it won't work on a 48" radius.  It just hasn't been tested on it.  Wish I had better info.  I know the Geeps will do fine on 48" but as you know a 4 axle road switchers will do better on the tighter curves.

Would a 3 rail SD7 with Kadee couplers have the same radius restrictions as a 2 rail unit? The giant, long shank lobster claw couplers really ruin the look of these models, especially with that massive opening in the pilot.
I really want to get in on the SD order but can’t commit until I know what kind of curves they will do with Kadee couplers (even if I have to install longer shank couplers).

The original offering of SD7/9 was listed as O72, and had flanged, pizza cutter, wheels. Middle axle was a flange-less, blind driver.   Nice model with very good detail.  The horizontal drive train, with drive shaft through the fuel tank, was also a radius/O-scale limiting feature.  That being said, I did manage a few trips, around my O54 Atlas track layout.  Curves O.K.  Some of the switches, especially back to back switches, were trouble-some.  The claw-type electro-couplers are slightly smaller than other claw coupler I have.  Expensive/nice model.

Last edited by Mike CT

Would a 3 rail SD7 with Kadee couplers have the same radius restrictions as a 2 rail unit? The giant, long shank lobster claw couplers really ruin the look of these models, especially with that massive opening in the pilot.
I really want to get in on the SD order but can’t commit until I know what kind of curves they will do with Kadee couplers (even if I have to install longer shank couplers).

It should do fine on 072 curves with Kadee couplers.  The front coupler does stick out way too far on this one, but I plan on replacing it with a Kadee on the front pilot like I've done with a majority of my 3 rail lead. units.  You could also replace the electro coupler with a short shank 3R coupler and it would also help. 

Thanks Jonathan. Glad to hear it. I was planning to mount Kadee’s on my SP geeps that came in to see how the pilot swing is but I can’t figure out what I did with all the couplers I bought. The O-72 requirement is fine for me because I won’t be doing curves any tighter than that. I was just a bit worried that Kadees would push the curve up to O-90 or something.

Thanks Jonathan. Glad to hear it. I was planning to mount Kadee’s on my SP geeps that came in to see how the pilot swing is but I can’t figure out what I did with all the couplers I bought. The O-72 requirement is fine for me because I won’t be doing curves any tighter than that. I was just a bit worried that Kadees would push the curve up to O-90 or something.

I run body mounted Kadees on several of my three rail passenger cars and have found that I only have a challenge with my GGD P70s on 072.  I'm not sure why because I have several K-line cars that are an inch longer I don't have that issue with.  Probably based on the mounting position on the body vs. the truck centers.  Never had an issue with 080 on those cars though.

This is how tight they are on an 072 curve.  Funny story, but I got the cars as 2 rail cars originally and converted them to 3 rail cars.  Now I need to convert them back to 2 rail. Go figure.  I have 23 2 Rail P70s so far from various manufacturers and in different configurations, but the Sunnyside coach yard held more than that!

Note the middle P70 is not a GGD car, but is an older kit that I upgraded the trucks on.

_IGP9429_IGP9434

It wouldn't be right and salutary not show one of these great cars next to its natural mate of a GG1.

_IGP9435

Converted over my Weaver B60bs too.  I'll be replacing the wheelsets in these to 2 rail one day.

_IGP9445

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Last edited by GG1 4877

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