older REA (Aristocraft) F7 A/B

[Anonymous]

I am in the prosess of getting an older but slightly used REA F7 diesel A&B units, both are powered. My question is, how long of a train can they handel and how steep of an incline? I don't have any inclines in my layout yet, but in my perminent spot I have one hill that I am not sure of the grade as of yet. Thank you,
Matt

[Anonymous]

depends on what generation they are? and 1.5 grade ought too be okay. wouldnt go over 7 to start freight cars.

[Anonymous]

off topic, sorry:
would anyone happen to know how i can figure the grade of incline?
train-me, i will try to find out and of course post my findings here.
thanks again,
matt

[Anonymous]

matt
you can guess i hated math sorry. if those are diesels from rea those are fa's & fb there alcos what color boxes?

[Anonymous]

I am not too sure of the color since I don't have them here at home. Yes they are diesels. I will try to find out the color of the boxes soon.
thank you train-me,
Matt

[Tom The Brat]

Measure how high the incline rises, and how long it is. % Grade is Rise/Run * 100

[jebouck]

Matt,
Those would be FA-1 (A&B) units. LGB is the only one to make F-7 (A&B) these days.
As to grade, it is measured in rise per 100 increments. For example, a 1" rise in 100" of track is 1%. (same for a 1' rise in 100' of track). 2" rise in 100" is 2%, ect.)
Anything over 4% in garden railway should be considered logging/mining and the lokeys should be geared (shays, climaxes, etc) or mallets.
But it's your rr, do as you like.
With those dismals you bought, at 4%, you will not be able to pull very many cars, especially if there is a curve at the top of the grade.
Just my .02...
jb

[Anonymous]

train-me they are Alco FA-1 FB-1, both are powered. The price was right and for me just getting started I figured this could get my feet wet. I wasn't sure if I want to go diesel or not so I got them to try. I just have a small flower garden loop for now , but I do plan on going to the yard next spring.
matt

[Anonymous]

matt
thats a great way to start and there great runners just for looks and running
i like my f3's usat.