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weight problems with LL P2K SW8

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  • Member since
    March 2007
  • 8 posts
weight problems with LL P2K SW8
Posted by herons on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 9:35 AM

Hi: Has anyone had any luck as to were and how to add weight to P2K SW8 with QSI sound decoders. I have been trying to a while but have not come up a sure fire way that looks good and fits well.

Thanks herons

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 12:07 PM

Are you using the traction tires?

Yeah, this is a seriously underweight engine, but with the traction tires it should pull enough for a switcher.  I don't think there's enough room under the hood for enough weight to make it worth the effort.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 12:11 PM

I am not posting this to be contrary..honest, but I removed the traction wheels from my SW8 as soon as Walthers got a metal tire to me...free I might add.  My pick-up improved dramatically, and I can't say I have noticed a change in it's movement behaviour.  I have hauled several weighted items of rolling stock all along my main, complete with full 3% grades.

I wonder if there is something else going on, something rubbing the wheels maybe?  All I can say is I am very pleased with that little beast.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • 8 posts
Posted by herons on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 12:50 PM

Hi: Yes I also replaced the traction axel with the all metal wheels, and did see an improvement going over short turnouts and less stalling. But I would like to add more weight to the unit, its just where, with the QSI decoder in the hood adding weight is next impossible there.

Thanks    

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 2:07 PM

I can think of only two possible locations, and neither one of them good.  The cab, or perhaps inside or directly under the trucks.  Depending on clearances just under the hood top, you may be able to stick some flat ribbon lead under there on top of the existing mass, or perhaps even on that mass's nose, under the headlamp.

I would not anticipate that you will see much of a change with what little you can place under the hood or in/under the trucks.  The cab floor may take a whole ounce?  Paint it black or something.

  • Member since
    March 2007
  • 8 posts
Posted by herons on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 3:58 PM
Hi: I have noticed that I might be able to get some weight in the hood and cab with ribbon lead. But I was wondering if "Minitures By Eric" could cast the air tanks and fuel tank cover under the speaker for extra weight. If there is enough call for it he just might do this, if anyone else is wanting more weight.
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 6:03 PM
I would not turn down an easy addition of useful weight to any of my locos.  My only concern would be how securely the tanks will support the added weight the way they are connected to the frame.  Maybe it's no problem at all.

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