I was surprised that I still had trouble with a train stringlining with 72" curve track at each end. I did have fun running it. I did get the train to run for 3-4 minutes without derailing but I did not get video of it. Here is my youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=cI-O3mIzq_U
Modeling the "Fargo Area Rapid Transit" in O scale 3 rail.
Boyd I was surprised that I still had trouble with a train stringlining with 72" curve track at each end. I did have fun running it. I did get the train to run for 3-4 minutes without derailing but I did not get video of it. Here is my youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=cI-O3mIzq_U
If this doesn't work, can someone here activate my link?
Boyd,
You need to arrange the cars from the heaviest to the lightest or they will always pull off the heavy end cars and you don't need 50 cars to do it. Put weight in the front cars and see if that helps.
BTW the link don't work.
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
The link doesn't work, not even after being made active.
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
..........Wayne..........
I'm not good with computers. I will try and post the link again.
There is something wrong with the video you uploaded to YouTube...ThoughtsAre you attempting this using Conventional/TMCC/Legacy?This would be near impossible using Conventional because you have engines at the front, in the middle, and at the end - all with different motors - all with different starting points on the track - all with different voltages...This would be near impossible even with TMCC equiped engine as they have different startup points.With Legacy this MAY be possible because you can identify the engine, type (TMCC/Legacy) and let the Legacy system start the engines, then apply the correct voltage to the motors.What you have going on is the engines in front pulling at one voltage (speed), the engines in the middle pushing and pulling at another voltage (speed), and the engines in back pushing at another voltage (speed).
https://brentsandsusanspicutures.shutterfly.com/
Did you try running with 49 cars so the engines will not push cars off the track?
I am surprised you had that much luck. Those are some super light weight MPC. cars. With only one engine they will stringline. Fun idea.
lion88roarWhat you have going on is the engines in front pulling at one voltage (speed), the engines in the middle pushing and pulling at another voltage (speed), and the engines in back pushing at another voltage (speed)
What you have going on is the engines in front pulling at one voltage (speed), the engines in the middle pushing and pulling at another voltage (speed), and the engines in back pushing at another voltage (speed)
Lion88roar,
Which video did you see that on?
Wayne - it was an 'assumption' made by viewing 1 second of the video. Since the engines appeared to be in 'the middle of the train'.
I've run 53 freight cars behind two Legacy PRR U-Boat engines, they did fine on the club layout, including the 2.5 degree grade into the tunnel. Curves are 72" and larger for the entire mainline, I didn't try any tighter curves.
After viewing the video, I would suggest:
1. Checking and oiling all truck pivots.
2. Checking the axles and oil points if needed.
3. Reduce the train by one car.
4. Add a little weight to these very light MPC cars. (Fishing weights should work.)
5. Track needs to be very close to level.
I really did not see string lining developing, but observed a shoving action and a possible dragging wheel or bad pivoting truck.
Good Luck!!! Have fun!!
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
I haven't checked all of the 200 axles of those 50 cars that I used. I think there might have been some that are gummed up. How do you clean up a gummed up MPC era truck and axles?
I use some solvent or even Isopropyl alcohol and then oil them with a drop of light oil. If these are the MPC ones with plastic trucks, they require very little lube.
Don't discount cleaning the wheels themselves, I've seen a heavy layer of black crud build up on the wheels, that will affect the rolling resistance as well.
Are you sure alcohol won't degrade the plastic? Several years ago I used either alcohol or paint thinner to try to remove paint from a hood on a plastic model Mustang and the hood started to come apart. I'm thinking a used toothbrush would be a good tool to use.
I suggest trying it on a single "old" car to test, but I've done a bunch of plastic trucks with Isopropyl alcohol and it's never done anything to them. What it WILL do is remove many kinds of paint, so getting it on painted stuff is probably not a keen idea! I use alcohol a lot for cleaning, I just avoid using it on painted shells. Works fine for diecast stuff, I've never had that paint be damaged with it, but I've seen it take lettering off diesel shells.
If the wheel or axle is really gummed up, just pop the axle out of the truck and clean the wheels and axle with Goo Gone or alcohol. Re-install the axle and wheels and put a drop of oil on the end points.
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