Heavyweights and Steam

I'm building a layout with a few 2% inclines on no less then a 15" radius. The layout is not modeled after a particular branch so the type of engine doesn't really matter (no english stuff though, sorry Thomas). Given that pulling ability is a fine balance between fricton and motive power I was wondering who has had luck with what?

What are your experiences with steam and heavys on inclines and what engine (make, model) did you use to pull how many units?

Thanks

 

A Con-Cor Kato-built S-2 Northern pulled 36 Rivarossi heavyweights up a 2 percent grade with no strain at all. Would have pulled more but that was all the heavyweights I had. Not presently available but offered frequently on eBay.

Ben

 

One of our N-Trak club members has been pulling 8 heavy weights with no problem with his Model Power 4-6-2 (new issue with traction tires). On a level it doesn't break a sweat. I have no idea how it would do with a 2% grade but it seems to be a good puller.

 

My experiences are with one per cent grades and nineteen and seventeen inch radius curves. All speeds are thirty-five to forty-five SMPH. All rolling stock is on MT, Kato or AccuMate trucks.

MP eight-wheeler: two RR HWs and one express car

MP pacific (no TT): four RR HWs

B-mann mountain (with shim on driver #3)-six RR HWs (I did not try more than that.)

C-C hudson with flywheel affixed): ten RR HWs or ten Kato smoothsides (I did not try any more of either)

C-C GS-4: eight RR smoothsides (most tried)

older passenger power:

RR pacific: eight RR HWs (most tried)

TRIX pacific: six RR HWs (most tried)

Freight types:

MP mogul: two express and four RR HWs (B-mann SPECTRUM of Kato USRA Standard tender substituted for stock MP)

Kato mikado: six RR HWs and two express cars (highest number of cars tried, TT added).

MP mikado: three RR HWs (no TT on MP mikado)

LL berkshire: four RR HWs

older freight power:

RR mikado: six RR HWs (most tried)

RR berkshire: six RR HWs (most tried)


Bashes:

modified TRIX K-4 shell on Kato 2-6-2 chassis: four RR HWs and two express cars.

TRIX B-6 shell (metal) on Kato 2-6-0 chassis (MP Vanderbilt tender swapped for stock Kato three axle tender): two RR HWs and two express cars (I have not tried more).


There is my experience with steam and RR or Lima/MP HWs. I probably omitted a few.

 

Great info!

I appreciate the feedback. Wow I'm not as limited as I would have guessed! I was holding off on my layout pending some information about power and car capabilites now I can't wait to lay some track!

Thanks...

 

Cheater Milk Car?

You could probably make a "cheater" milk car that would help a lot. Just a thought.

 

There is always the option of "helpers" on excursion trains as often seen in images of the NKP 759 Berkshire or UP 8444 and even SP 4449.

T