Longer trains

[traingeek087]

Does anyone have any tips for getting longer trains around the curve? I model HO scale and I'll have a 25% radius. Is this too tight to run a 40 car train. Is there something I can do to make it work better. (more weight in front car) etc...

[DSchmitt]

You don't say what is happening.

If the train is stalling on the curve, more weight in the locomotive could help, or more one or more locos could be added to the consist either at the head end or in the middle. Multiple locos would have to be compatible in operating characteristics. (DCC is a big help in doing this, but it can be done with DC)

If the cars are falling over check to see that they are weighted to NMRA standards (this is a good thing to do anyway) If there is much difference in car weights, lighter cars should be toward the rear of the train. The prototype has to do this too. However if proper weighting of the cars makes the whole train heavier, then fewer cars can be pulled.

Most model RR layouts usually have circular curves. The prototype often uses easements on their curves. Constructing curves with easements could help lower the rolling resistance at the transition from straight track to curve. On model RR easments are usually used for appearance, but have the added benefit that long cars can make it through a smaller radius curve than would otherwise be possible.

20-30 years ago trying to run very long trains was popular (particularly in N scale. special N layouts were assembled at NMRA conventions where trains in excess of 300 cars were run with 2 or 3 specially built locos on the head end) An HO club managed to run a 300+ car train on their club layout with multiple locos spread throughout the train I don't know what their minimum curves were, but they were probably in the range of 24" to 30" radius.

[Anonymous]

In case anyone is interested, the 2004 Guiness Book of World Records lists the longest model train as being a consist of 650 HO scale wagons pulled by four locos measuring 228 feet in length. It was operated by the Arid Australia group, Perth Australia June 3rd, 1996......WOW!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

I have a question to add on to this I am modeling an intermodal line and plan on running 8-10 double stack cars fully weighted and I plan on using an sd75(athearn)powered unit and an sd40-2 dummy.Now will my single sd75 be enough power I don't have any real grades and am going to use flex track to build 32" radi I have an other sd70 powered and I would like to know if I should use that or if I could pull another dummy unit(sd40-2)Thanks,Dallas

[traingeek087]

Those SD75s are powerful. I have one. But in return for some info I do have a question. Starting off with a little background. I have a 10' 6" by 14 foot room. I have half of it done on one side table wise, but the other side is why my question was brought up. in the corner is a 22" shelf that I was planning on putting my yard on. But this means I would have to have a 22 inch radius. I know that's too tight for what I'm using it for because I'm worried about the cars tipping. As I said I want to run a forty car train with three engines on it. is 26 radi too tight.

[traingeek087]

I also was considering doing a reverse loop at each end instead of getting on the bookshelf and going all the way around, I have enough room to do a 26 radius, do you consider this too tight? (remember 40 car train, no grades.)

[traingeek087]

another on last thing. Does anyone know some modular railroad sites with layout drawings and specifications? Thanks again for all the help.

[Anonymous]

In response to the question about Intermodals, I'd advise changing all your cars to metal wheelsets (reduces rolling resistance). I've not tried the SD75, but my set of an Athearn 3-unit drawbar double stack, a 5-unit artic double stack, two Walthers 5-unit spine cars and an Athearn Impack needs a pair of Athearn Dash 9s or AC4400s to haul it. I'm planning to add more ballast to these locos at some point in an effort to improve their running and haulage abilities.

[johncolley]

I have a Stewart FT ABBA set all powered and regularly pull 55-60 cars (all approx.40') on 24" curves with easements without stringlining if I do it easy..no sudden increases in power. All my cars are NMRA std weights and have metal wheelsets. If there are grades I have an additional pair of FT's to put 2/3 of the way back. The freights are great but full length passenger equipment looks like toys. That's why I am going to bigger curves. John Colley Port Townsend WA

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by superwoody

.....Now will my single sd75 be enough power ....

No, these units are rather light.

[traingeek087]

Thanks for the info. johncolly. I have a 1/2 percent grade so I shouldn't have much trouble.

[Anonymous]

You could even try superelevating the curves, as intermodal trains are pretty fast (or so I've heard)and this practice is to elevate the outside of the curve a little more then the inside so the train is at an angle. This is especially useful if the intermodal cars are fully loaded (height). This wouldn't work if the problem is that train cars are tipping into the inside anyway, so use as needed. however, NEVER try to elevate the inside of a curve or the trains will fly off and into the surrounding scenery.