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Speed

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Florida
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Speed
Posted by traindaddy1 on Thursday, August 8, 2024 8:02 PM

Have been surfing the internet videos of operating layouts and see that the trains are shown running at various speeds. I run my consists at or near scale speed. Qustion: What speed do you most often run your trains? As always, many thanks.

  • Member since
    July 2020
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Posted by pennytrains on Thursday, August 8, 2024 9:11 PM

If my locomotives can handle it, I enjoy operating them at what I would guess is about 5 to 10 scale mph.  Otherwise I run them at whatever speed is necessary to keep them moving without major issues.  Generally speaking it's the oldest equipment in my stable that needs to operate this way.  Especially locos like my standard gauge #8 which has had a rough past and likes to wobble.  It requires a certain balance of voltage and weight on the drawbar to keep it rolling without constant derailments.

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
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Posted by Flintlock76 on Friday, August 9, 2024 10:36 AM

Welllll...

I'm kind of a traditionalist, I run 'em at two speeds, fast and faster!  Wink

But I DO have to be a bit conservative with some of the engines, my MTH 4-4-0's for example.  I was doing a "I wonder how fast..." experiment with one on a temporary dining room table layout and the thing went airborne!  Luckily it landed on a chair and not through the front of a china cabinet.  I wouldn't be here typing these words if that was the case!  Embarrassed 

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    January 2023
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Posted by El Fixes Things on Friday, August 9, 2024 10:15 PM

I'm in the same camp as becky- I tend to mostly run my trains as slow as they're willing to run without having a lot of speed fluctuations or stalling out. Sometimes I'll run them a little quicker. But generally I don't like to send them running too fast, it makes me nervous!

That said, I run all-conventional, and most of my stuff is old pre and postwar Lionel which generally is not known for its good low-speed control. Ultimately whatever makes the trains most fun for me to watch in the moment, is the speed I'll run things at.

-Ellie

  • Member since
    June 2013
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Posted by smokey1 on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 11:42 AM

I normally run mine at a speed it can go around the whole layout without stalling, ( I need more drops, only have one on my 10' x 16' loop.) Once I get it more desireable and put carpet down I will add more drops. 

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