AZL SD75 performance

A couple of questions for the experts...

1) How many wheels have electrical pickup on the AZL SD75? (haven't lifted the hood yet)

2) My MTL rolling stock runs happily through my MTL turnouts, but my AZL loco has all kinds of trouble with them. The loco often stalls in the straight section of the turnout at lower speeds, and ultimately refuses to negotiate the diverging route. It this an inherent problem with the turnout design, or perhaps a flaw in the locomotive?

Thanks.

All six axles pick up power. The AZL trucks design uses contacts that pickup power from all six axles.

The MTL turnout issue is a well known issue. You are correct about the divergent (or curved) section of the turnout. This is an issue with the turnout. The simple fix is to increase the gap between the plastic inside rail guard the outside rail. The issue is that there is not enough play between the guard and the rail and it forces the loco to ride up slightly on the frog, or bind going through the turnout. Modifying the turnout increases the play between the guard the rail and allows engines to negotiate the turnout correctly.

For the record, you may also adjust the wheel gauge of the loco to match the MTL locos, but I have found modifying the turnout easier. Note, Marklin turnouts do not have the same issue.

Rob

Rob, I dont think the axle with traction tires pick up power, so only five out of six axles pick up power. The first thing I would check is the gauge of the engine with a MTL gauge. If they are too narrow, spread them out with two jewelers flat head screw drivers and make a x. Recheck the gauge to make sure they are just right. Also, do increase the play of the railguard. It makes a big difference, and you may need to adjust the gauge of the engine and alter the railguard

John, the AZL axle with the traction tire will pick up power from the flanges which touch the rail. I like the six axle design where all wheel sets are flanged. The same would be true if using Bullfrog snot. You should still be able to transfer power from the rail to the flange. Great advice on how to regauge the wheels slightly.

Rob

Great advice guys, thank you.