Looking for some feedback here to determine my next move. I have an HO scale layout, and I am modelling two levels. mow I am using RDC Budd cars for my passenger service. Now my grade is about 2.5-3% gradula grade to the 2nd level. My questions are:
1)will the budd cars make it with out stalling -being that they are powered on one end, one will be pulling while the other is pushing, so that the non powered are in the middle.
2)would traction tires on all wheels help
would a third unit help
4)is there a way to power the non powered end
5)is there any other way to use the non powered truck for traction
Except for a short section of 2% grade I haven’t had a chance to try out an RDC on a grade, but I wouldn’t think a Proto RDC would have any trouble with a 2-3% grade. They’re pretty powerful and can pull a number of cars - unlike real RDC’s, which were only designed to pull themselves.
Adding "bullfrog snot’ to one drivewheel of each RDC would help it climb, if you do have trouble.
If you’re in DCC you might want to use a decoder with Back EMF.
IF they have all-wheel pickup, it might be helpful to add BFS to one set of driven wheels. But as just suggested, I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. Most HO locomotives will drive themselves up 4-5% slopes without problems. and many can do quite a bit better than that. It is the addition of ‘trailing tonnage’ that throws a wrench into the works.
The models drive with all 8 wheels, like typical model 4-axle diesels. This is more drive that the prototype, which only drove the inner axle of each truck. Two powered units should have no problem pulling a third unpowered car on those grades. If anything, alittle extra wgith over the trucks might be needed, but never so much that it can’t slip if held back. That’s why I don’t like traction tires or frog snot. If the motor truly stalls and can’t spin the wheels you are asking for it to melt down. No loco, if you hold the couplers and keep it from moving, should stall so the wheels don’t turn, they should slip. I think you’ll be fine with no modifications to the RDCs, they are pretty strong pullers.
The RDCs are only 4-wheel drive (not 8), but they are pretty heavy. I’m certain 1 unit could pull itself up a grade no problem, and having 2 powered units and a dummy should be fine too. Having 2 powered RDCs is about the same (maybe a tiny bit less) as a good 4-axle diesel, traction wise.
Another fan of the ONR!!! SWEET!!! Like everyone has said, you won’t have any problems with them. I would have thought you would have used some ONR equipment for your passenger service.
Your RDC cars will absolutely be able to make this grade. Our club has a 4% grade that the RDCs rocket up.
Since the cars are self propelled, they can handle their own weight. If you had a lot of Dummies in the consist, you may have a problem, but since each is help themselves up the hill, you shouldn’t have ANY problems.
self propelled cars are generally less vulnerable to steep grades, since they’re not really pulling anything other than themselves.