Heavy locos

[grandpopswalt]

I'm trying to add weight to my B'mann Mogul. There was some discussion about this subject recently. Someone mentioned using self-stick wheel weights. I'm not familiar with that product, can anyone give us more info about them? or make some other suggestion.

Walt

[Anonymous]

You buy them at auto parts stores. They're used on aluminum or mag wheels where you can't hammer a lead weight onto the edge of the rim to balance a tire. They come in segmented strips with stickum on one side to stick the lead weight to the rim. They're cheap too.

[vsmith]

Walt, My LHS has boxes of them at the register, but Pep Boys or any other auto store will have them..are you adding weight to the Spectrum Mogul or the Indy Mogul? You can also add weight to the Indy by filling the air reserve tanks on either side of the boiler with lead shot, that will add a few more ounces to it. No experience with the Spectrum engine though.

Word of caution...make sure you place those adhesive weights exactly where you want them, because once its stuck down, its there permanently!

[grandpopswalt]

Thanks Guys,

Vic,
I'm working on the Indy Mogul. I've determined that an additional 2LBS. will provide enough traction to pull about 7 cars up a 2% grade. I haven't determined what happens on a curve which is on a grade.

Walt

[Anonymous]

What sort of bearings do they have? I have a Bachmann 2-4-2 that needs weight adding, but I was told not to because then the loco axle will wear through the plastic bearing quicker with the extra weight on it.

Glen.

[vsmith]

Glen,
From what i understand the amount of weight added by doing the airtanks isnt enough to damage the engine bearings, it only adds a extra few ounces and isnt going to overload the bearings. Plus just keeping the bearings lubed and not racing your engine at 80mph, the engine should be just fine.

Walt, TWO POUNDS? WOW!

I honestly dont know if the motor /bearings would even handle the additional load. I would just see how many of the lick and stick wheel weights I could get into the boiler of the Indy first. They come in two sizes , a strip of bigger 1 oz (4 to a strip) and smaller 1/2 oz size (8/strip). Adding two strips of the big wts will add 1/2 pound to the engine, if there enough room you just might find enough space to add near the weight your looking for but I cant say as I beleive its a pretty tight fit inside.

Prototypically an engine that small probably couldnt pull that kind of a load on that grade without being double headed. Excuss to get another Indy?

[grandpopswalt]

We talked about this issue some time ago. As I recall TOC came in on the side of adding as much weight as possible because the bearings could take it. I agree that keeping the bearings well lubed and running at prototypical speeds should help to protect the bearings. Theoretically, the shaft rides on a "cushion” of oil and there is no shaft to bearing contact, or at least that’s the way it works in the 1:1 world. So frequent lubrication will be required.

Walt

[Anonymous]

I have a traction problem with my Stainz ,it will only pull 4 little carriages up a 4% grade, so M/S Santa Clause gave me a powered tender for Christmas but we still haven't run it because we can't get a decoder for it. Nothing is easy with MTS.,


Rgds Ian

[Tom The Brat]

It seems to me, if TOC says it will work, go for it.

As it came in the box, my Bachmann Annie will pull everything I own, except maybe the toyota[;)], around my 5ft curves all day.

[grandpopswalt]

Torby,

About how much does the Annie weigh?

Walt

[Tom The Brat]

Umm. I dunno. It's heavier than an Aristo 0-4-0, but not as heavy as an Aristo Pacific.

I'll weigh it tomorrow if I can find Chuck.