pcarrell wrote: Several issues may be at work here.You may have a grade built in as you suggest. I'd also like to suggest that tighter curves will always create drag on a loco and can cause what you're describing. Also, having power feeders in the curves will help to even out the speeds. Lastly, good quality locos (I don't know if yours are or not) will be much smoother then a cheaper one when it comes to these things.
Several issues may be at work here.
You may have a grade built in as you suggest. I'd also like to suggest that tighter curves will always create drag on a loco and can cause what you're describing. Also, having power feeders in the curves will help to even out the speeds. Lastly, good quality locos (I don't know if yours are or not) will be much smoother then a cheaper one when it comes to these things.
I have several different manufacturers of locos and I believe pcarrell is right. The better quality locos I have seem to notice no difference where the cheaper ones struggle on any grade.
Phillip....
I would agree with your comments ,,,,I will try again tonight ,,,,,,,I think this is a minor problem that I can fix ...
Most N scale loco's will pull some cars up a 1% grade, though since N scale equipment is light, it affects how much it pulls. Thats why traction tires are still pretty popular in N scale. They help with that pulling power. The fact that cars roll on their own says that the grade is definately a factor.
Honestly, it sounds like you may have a couple of issues going on here, but none of them are earthshattering or insurmountable.
Vail and Southwestern RR wrote: Add some feeders before you really panic. If you are counting on rail joiners to carry the power, you are asking for trouble!
Add some feeders before you really panic. If you are counting on rail joiners to carry the power, you are asking for trouble!
Ok ... I was thinking the LOCO should be able to pull a small 1% grade for a very short distance... I guess, I have two options ,,,, level the table or add more power with feeders,,,, I think I will need more power anyway ,,,,,,,
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
More infomation: Running Diesels ...... I ran a test tonight and rolling stock was moving with out loco power ,,, So I beleive now its a grade and power issue ... I am amazed that the smallest grade would effect the pulling power of these locos....I am not pulling over 12 coal hopers,,,,
Are we talking diesels or steamers? Diesels with long, three-axled trucks can bind in sharp curves, and the same for steamers with more than 3 driver pairs. Even some steamers with only two driving axles can have problems if they are separated by 6-10 scale feet.
Additionally, if the engines haven't had their axles lubricated, or the valve gear in the case of steam, when they go around corners the tolerances are taken up hard to one side of the intended play...meaning un-lubed surfaces are wanting to turn around each other.
I would still check out your grade with the level, or with a small straightedge and back light the track to see if there is a dip somewhere showing between the straightedge and the rail tops.
The power feeders could be a problem, especially if your joiners between rail sections are dirty or slightly corroded.
Good luck. These little mysteries keep us interested in the hobby...for the most part.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Ok ,,, So I am not asking a dumb question ,,,, Yes I agree not running top of the line locos...
I should aslo add..that I though weight may be a factor .... I like the idea of power feeders in the curves ,,,,,
Hello... need some help
I have the normal beginners 4x8 layout on a 2" foam base ..... tech 280 power... (N Scale) EZ track two loops with some turnouts (DC)... Runninng Bachman and Life Like locos....
I have the layout in the basement of the house and the floor has a very small grade for draininng ....
The Problem: I am getting a roller coster effect when running my mainline ,,,, Trains are slowing in the curves ....speeds up coming out of the curve,,,, Could the small grade of the floor be making a natural grade on the layout ,,,,,
I though I could bring out my level to make ajustments but it does not seem to help ....
Any ideas,,,,, I beleive the answer is right in front of me... but I do not see it .......
thanks