Minimum Radius for AZL locomotives and cars.

Hi Rob,

I have 145mm Radius curves on the inner loop of my Truckee layout. So I have a lot of experience in running and modifying the AZL locomotives and rolling stock to insure that they can negotiate these tighter curves. So here's some additional information.
Granted... I have no knowledge as to the long term mechanical wear due to this greater than designed truck rotation. But so far, so good. I've not noticed any additional wear to any of my AZL locomotives.



The AZL GE P42 Genesis locomotives will operate on 145mm Radius curves, right out of the box.

The AZL E8A - E9A locomotives will operate on 145mm Radius curves, right out of the box.



I have found that all of the other (non-brass) locomotive chassis will operate on 145mm Radius curves, but it's the shell interference which causes the trouble.  The trucks will rotate only so far before binding against the inside of the plastic shell and then the locomotive will derail.
But the trucks and shell can be modified by sanding off the corners of the coupler boxes and sanding off the inside faces of the molded steps on the locomotive shell. This works for the SD45, SD70M, SD75M, SD70ACe, ES44AC locomotives and then they too can negotiate the 145mm Radius cures.



This modification will also work on many of the AZL rolling stock, like the Phase IVb Superliners.



These are pretty easy modifications.  Certainly not like sawing apart and shortening a locomotive chassis!

So I hope this information helps others enjoy their AZL locomotives and rolling stock on smaller layouts with tight radius curves.

All my best,
Bill Mock