Running a Bachmann 4-8-2 Ohio Chesapeake on a 3/100 grade…looses traction on the uptick. Now keeping in mind I ran this on test track and some of the mechanics at the time were not perfect. Fixing to build a larger layout with steepest grade at 2/100. Wonder how it going to perform ? Also seems to me the 2 wheel truck set in the rear of the loco seems weak. I might go back and build a proper scenario of the grade with better mechanics on the track but not over worried on that as the EMDs have no problem .but yet what’s the point of the test track. Right. G.
What does “weak” mean in regard to the trailing truck?
Steam locomotives require gentle transitions into and out of grades.
2% (2/100) is a good practical max for model trains and real trains alike.
Even at 2% most steam locos will loose about 35% of the pulling ability.
Sheldon
Weak…the spring set ( which I haven’t really look at yet) in the rear seems to need a stronger preload could help with toggling in the main frame. This would help transfer power forward. G.
No it will not. Every measure of pressure exerted by the lead and trailing trucks on a model will reduce the weight on the drivers and reduce pulling power.
The suspensions on our models do not work like the suspensions on the real locomotives.
The lead and trailing trucks on our models are just going along for the ride, they are not guiding the loco or supporting its weight in any measurable fashion.
The locomotive you have has a partly sprung main driver system that works very well. Tampering with the lead and trailing trucks will disrupt the function of that design. In fact the trailing truck on that loco does not have a spring at all.
Sheldon
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