CentralGulf ATLANTIC CENTRAL On several of the layouts in our round robin group, one of which I designed the track plan, we have run trains in excess of 100 cars. A single Rivarossi Allegheny and a single BLI N&W Class A were each able to pull over 100 cars up 1.8% helix curves with out any problems. Sheldon, do you have any information on what a Bachmann Spectrum Light 2-10-2 might haul up that particular helix? I know you mentioned they are difficult to add weight to, so I assume they aren't going to come close to that 100 car number. CG
ATLANTIC CENTRAL On several of the layouts in our round robin group, one of which I designed the track plan, we have run trains in excess of 100 cars. A single Rivarossi Allegheny and a single BLI N&W Class A were each able to pull over 100 cars up 1.8% helix curves with out any problems.
On several of the layouts in our round robin group, one of which I designed the track plan, we have run trains in excess of 100 cars. A single Rivarossi Allegheny and a single BLI N&W Class A were each able to pull over 100 cars up 1.8% helix curves with out any problems.
Sheldon, do you have any information on what a Bachmann Spectrum Light 2-10-2 might haul up that particular helix? I know you mentioned they are difficult to add weight to, so I assume they aren't going to come close to that 100 car number.
CG
So I did quick test this afternoon, Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-2, drive is stock.
Rolling stock used (I have about 50 of these all the same) - 4.3 oz Athearn piggyback flats equiped with Kadee sprung trucks, refitted with Intermountain metal wheelsets.
Level track, some curves, all 36" radius and larger, the 2-10-2 comfortably handled 30 cars. It was obvious at startup that this was right on the edge of slipping, 5 more cars made starting nearly impossible.
Train stopped on 2% grade - the loco could not start the 30 car train, it slipped. It could start a 20 car train on that grade, again, right at the edge of slipping, but once underway handled the train fine on the grade.
As I have noted earlier, and as Selector has noted just above, Steam locos in particular loose pulling power quickly on grades. Our models pull less on level track, but do better on grades than the prototype. A good argument for mountain modeling and double heading......
So two Spectrum 2-10-2's which might have only handled 40-50 cars on 2% grades on the prototype, can come close to that in model form, even if they cannot match the prototype on the flat.
Also, keep in mind, my 4.3 oz piggys are heavier than most rolling stock, but they are very free rolling....
Sheldon
Thank you Sheldon. That is very useful information.
Regards,