If 100+ tons of real SD can't...

[Anonymous]

Remember that thread about mispellinglose and loose?

Well, here's the thing that drives me beserk...

I know that I'm unreasonable... but...

If 100tons = of full size SD whatever it is can't stay on bad track WHY DO MODELLERS THINK THAT ADDING WEIGHT TO THEIR LOCOS WILL KEEP MODELS ON BAD TRACK? [banghead] [soapbox] [banghead]

[Anonymous]

Because it works?

[trainboyH16-44]

I say if you have major track problems that won't go away even with track doctoring, go for 4 axle. 6 axle trucks are the second worst after 8 axle diesels. Derail everywhere. But you know, we do like our SD40-2s, no matter how much they derail!
Matthew

[Pruitt]

The solution to derailments is simple - FIX THE TRACK!

It may be a pain to do, but afterwards you'll enjoy your layout a whole lot more - forever!

[BRAKIE]

QUOTE: Originally posted by David Foster

Remember that thread about mispellinglose and loose?

Well, here's the thing that drives me beserk...

I know that I'm unreasonable... but...

If 100tons = of full size SD whatever it is can't stay on bad track WHY DO MODELLERS THINK THAT ADDING WEIGHT TO THEIR LOCOS WILL KEEP MODELS ON BAD TRACK? [banghead] [soapbox] [banghead]

David,Its simply because our models are more forgiving then the average modeler and many experts know..More weight as a rule adds tractive effort and not tracking abilities..You see our wheels and track can be SLIGHTLY out of guage and still work..On the other hand if our wheels and track is GROSSLY out of guage then we will have problems..

[selector]

I have found that some model cars, like those smallish red ore cars, are too light. I had problems pushing them through a turnout that seldom gave me problems with other stock or locos. When I added the WS coal to them, they stopped hopping out of the tracks. So, I understand where David is coming from. I also agree with the others who state that bad track will eventually overcome any advantages gained by merely adding weight. For example, my newly added Lionel Challenger thoughtfully pointed out several areas where I had uneven track.

[Texas Zepher]

I don't know anyone who has added weight to keep the model on track. I add weight to increase tractive effort.

[Anonymous]

The key to modeling a down trodden bad track line is laying the track flawlessly, then egnineering in bumps and dips ever once in a while to give it that look of rikety down on its luck track. Also modeling with small rail helps. Code 70 Depicts 80lb Rail/ (Mainline Standard until the 1970s) and Code 55 even lighter. Ussing them will probably achieve the look your using for. Especially if you distress and whather the ties heavily, and scenic the track with unkept ballast and weed growth encroaching the ties. (Sound familiar MILW and ROCK fans?)

Just my [2c]on track.

James

[Anonymous]

I was given a layout once as a kid. The railroad was a loop on a 4x8. The track was built from salvaged brass rail sections that was hammered and bent back into a useable shape.

Need less to say, watching that tyco locomotive climb 6 scale foot differences in both grade and side to side was crazy stuff.

I finally ripped the track out with the intent of purchasing nickel silver track but never got around to it.

Good trackwork is rewarding. Weight is for traction not to stay on the track.

and that 100 ton SD will be a problem of the MOW is unable to maintain the track as they should in real life =)

[edkowal]

One of the problems that we have, that the prototype doesn't, concerns equalization and springing. More of our equipment has trucks that are unsprung, or not equalized. Even those trucks that are sprung frequently have springs that are too strong. As a result, the wheels on our equipment are more likely to climb the rails.

-Ed

[Anonymous]

I try to make sure that my most finicky piece of equipment, will go any direction through all of my track. I left the hobby out of frustration, once. I'm fairly certain that bad track work was the bulk of my problem. I'm anal about my track, now.