The first question everybody asks about a new engine is, “Is she a puller?” At least that’s what I wanted to know about my new P2K 2-10-2. But the best way to know whether a loco is a hauler or a little light in the loafers is by a comparison test.
My test track is a 2 per cent grade, beginning with 24" of straight track and then turning 90 degrees right on a 41" radius. Then came 10’6" more straight to an S turn - 32" rad to the left for about 20 degrees followed by 110 degrees right with 41" radius. It reaches the summit in the final turn. Every engine was given a running start in order to reach the hill with some momentum.
The freight cars used in the test were all 40 foot boxes or reefers, weighted as they came from the manufacturer, in all cases very close to NMRA standards. All were fitted with Branchline semi-scale metal wheels. These have narrower than standard HO tread and they are very free running.
No traction tires were used. Wheel slip (or even spin) was acceptable as long as forward motion continued. Maximum train length was limited to 30 cars to avoid coupler failure. The 2-10-2 made it to the summit with 15 cars. The following table of results puts that performance into context. Locos are listed from wimps to bruisers:
PFM PRR 2-8-2 made the summit with 13 cars
Sunset PRR 2-8-0…14
P2K Erie 2-10-2…15
P2K NKP 2-8-4…18
Atlas NYC RS-1 diesel…18
BLI NYC 4-6-4…21 (a surprise to me)
BLI PRR 4-8-2…22
Key NYC 4-8-2…22
PFM PRR 2-10-0. with extra weight…30+
P2K NYC E-8 diesel…30+ (and no wheel slip)
In a separate