mlehmanYou may not need the BS on geared locos. Like their 1:1 counterparts, model geared locos tend to have favorable tractive effort ratings vs rod engines.
I know from my old layout that the Shay was fine, but the Heisler slipped under light loads. My plan though is to use the Heisler as a switcher in the lumber yard --providing the old Roundhouse Climax can pull 4 empty ore cars up the grade. I sent it away for work. Paid some guy $100 to smooth it out. It ran well on a flat DC test track, but the gear noise is pretty loud. Anyway, I never got a chance to test it.
gpaineMaybe set up a test track, just a board with some track shimmed up to 4% grade, and do some test runs
It was one of the first things I was going to do. 4% is ideal, but I have a little play if I don't mind shortening the roof in my switching yard. Right now I have 8" clearance and may have to reach back as much as a foot if I need to fiddle.The bullfrog snot is sort of insurance. It kind of rides on how the climax does. It is big and heavy and will probably pull my Lincoln.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Maybe set up a test track, just a board with some track shimmed up to 4% grade, and do some test runs.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
You may not need the BS on geared locos. Like their 1:1 counterparts, model geared locos tend to have favorable tractive effort ratings vs rod engines.
No experience but would guess that it could be done, though could be trickier than a rod loco. Put the loco n a cradle, upside down, and use the toothpick they recommend for applying BS with IIRC.
The trick will be avoiding getting any in the drivetrain or bevel gears, etc. That could really gum up the works.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Recalling the performance of my locos on a 4.3% and 4.9% grades on my 4x8 layout, I'm pretty sure all my locos can benefit from more traction as I'm planning on a 4% grade which will be seviced by the geared locomotives.
My livery is:
3-Roundhouse 2-6-0s
Bachman Spectrum Shay
Riverosi Heisler
Roundhouse Climax (old)
Bachmann 0-6-0 side tank (en route)
All have DCC except the Climax and I have the decoder ready for it.
Installation of the BF Snot seems pretty straight forward on the 2-6-0s
But I'm wondering about how to apply it on the geared steam. Anyone done it on any of the loco's above?