Improving 44 tonner operation

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have two H.O. Spectrum 44 tonners in which I installed LokSound decoders. My only complaint was their tendency to stall, no doubt in large part to dirty spots on the track. I added a lead weight, which was soft and could be formed to fit underneath the engine between the two trucks. I drilled two holes for the screws that attach to the body and painted the weight engine black and secured it with contact cement. The extra weight makes a noticable difference. Just use caution when working with lead, disposing of the shavings properly and remembering to wash your hands afterward. By the way, the cab has room for a little more weight above the window line but after stuffing a decoder and speaker in the engine, I prefer not to tempt fate by removing the body needlessly. These engines really can creep along now with LokSound decoders and not stall.

John C.

Mebane, NC

2

I have a couple Spectrum 44 tonners and a single Spectrum 70 tonner with the LokSound Micro and they run very well. I did not add any weight in the 44 tonner, though I had to add weight in the 70 ton as I had to remove the factory weight. I also pour my own weights as needed with a metal that melts at boiling water temp. I use Lego’s to make a form for the weight.

Clean track, plus powered frogs is what keeps me from have issues with stalling, I use the John Allen track cleaning boxcar fairly often.

Using bird shot from a gun shop is a good way to add weight at many places in locos or tenders.

Rich