Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Perhaps I can help with the formula for pulling power. Note: I got this out of MR and thought this was some good info. Tonnage Ratings or How many Locomotives does it take to pull a string of cars over a ruling grade? Tractive effort = (Horsepower x 308)/Miles per hour Tonnage Rating = Tractive effort/ (2,000 lbs. x percent of gradient) Example: 7,000 ton train needs to cross a 2.2% ruling grade. SD40-2 has 3,000 HP Tractive effort = (3,000 x 308) / 11 mph = 84,000 Tonnage Rating= 84,000lbs/(2,000 x 2.2%) = 1,909 tons Locos Needed = 7,000 tons / 1,909 = 3.67 or 4 SD40-2#8217;s This figure can vary due to weather and track conditions.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!