Here were the rules:
The engine pulls increasingly larger numbers of cars up a slightly steeper than 3% grade unti it can no long complete a circuit. I started with the smallest unit and worked towards the heavier engines. The cars were 40 ft old-time boxcars.
Engine Failed at:
Bachman Jupiter 4-4-0 American 14 cars
IHC 4-4-0 American 12 cars
IHC 0-4-0 (non Premiere) 8 cars
Lil Guy 10 cars
MDC 2-6-0 Old-time Unmarked 3 cars
MDC 2-6-0 SP 6 cars
IHC 4-4-0 (1920’s style) 7 cars
IHC 2-6-0 Camelback SP 13 cars
IHC 2-6-0 Camelback ATSF 8 cars
Heisler 9 cars
The lower geared engines like the 2-6-0 old-timers and the Heilser were at a disadvantage because of low gearing. The Camelbacks and the 4-4-0 Americans could get up a good head of steam and their momentum went a long way getting them up the hill.
It was interesting.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…lol, sorry mouse…couldnt resist—medic
Chip
You should have been at our NMRA Div 11 Jamboree this past weekend (Apr 2) and had your engines at the Power Pull!
We had 14 entries!
This is set up on a board with 3 feet of track and a digital readout scale. We weigh each engine and then put it on the track and hook the scale up to the coupler. Then the MRC power-pak is turned on and the power is increased until the engine slips its wheels. This is done 3 times and the highest reading is recorded.
Then the computer does the calculations and comes out with a value for the tractive effort.
The top three tractive effort pullers are declared winners. Ribbons are given out.
What is interesting is that the heaviest engines are not the ones with the best tractive effort readings. Also the Athearn engines with the sintered wheels are usually at the top of the pulling ability.
BOB H – Clarion, PA
What really suprized me was that the smallest, the itty-bitty little Bachman 4-4-0 out-pulled all of them.
Too bad you have to push it to get it started and it has trouble getting across the turnouts at slow speeds. It’s strong, pretty, but won’t run the track without help. It’s always something.
Does it have traction tires? That would make the little 4-4-0 outpull a bigger loco very easily.
–Randy
I think to make this a ‘level’ playing field, the engine should start from a dead stop at the bottom of the grade. Some of those 200 Scale MPH rockets are using the momentum to get over the hill.
Jim