I never really liked MRRs method for testing hauling power (and as far as I know Spookshow features the MRR review with each loco page), 50 cars as in 40' or larger wagons?
I think that's accurate, Mitchell. I've got house guests this week, but if you'll remind me around the first of June I'll test one for you...I did check Mark's (spookshow) site and see what you mean. I think MR got away from pulling tests simply because there are so many variables as to make said test meaningless...it's have to be the same cars every time, and any introduction of a curve would skew the test negatively - I will have that problem as there is precious little straight track on the Sub. But I'm willing to give it a shot!
Jim, as the layout I'm planning won't be all straight and level track knowing what each loco type can haul up curves and grades will be more beneficial as it'll give a better idea of what can pull what. And thanks for offering, I'll send a PM around the start of June to refresh the memory. Also, nice work on the MRR article!
Well, Mitchell, I had some time this morning and did the test. Turns out the loco will pull 65 cars with considerable wheelslip, but it will start them and keep them rolling on level track with a curve thrown in for good measure. It would walk away with only fifty, and probably take them up a grade. And these weren't forty foot cars - I have very few forties - but fifties and sixties - lots of covered hoppers, in short, whatever I had sitting in the yard. They are equipped with metal wheels. Here's a shot of the test with youngest grandson Alex Durkin looking on:
Oh how I wish a had a good shot of my ABBA IM FT set pulling 88 cars up a 2% grade.........Granted they were 40' refers for the whole lot. Yes the MRR review rating system is a bit flawed, but then again, you don't really know about any of them until you run them. It gives a starting point at least.
Fairly heavy atleast? at minimum 50 cars is what im hoping for over curves and 2% grades so that's quite handy. Thanks Jim :tup: X
50 cars up 2% grades is a tall order. It will probably require 4 Katos, or 6 Atlas. I believe Jim's grades are only 1%. That's a big difference.
Most of the line is 1% but the ruling grade is right out of staging, maybe 12 feet of 2% and around a 180 degree curve... I haven't seen MR yet so don't know what they did to the article...maybe Tuesday...the stuff online is accurate and well done.
For those who subscribe, MRR has posted a track plan of Jim's layout: http://mrr.trains.com/en/How To/Track Plan Database/2012/05/The Oakville sub.aspx
"But the thrill we've never known Is the thrill that'll getcha When you get your picture On the cover of the Rollin' Stone" Ok technically you're not on the cover, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! Jamie
So did you pull the 65 cars up the ruling grade?! I may be underestimating the grades on our club layout, which is what my comments were based on.
Nope. The query was simply how many cars will a SD70ACe pull on the straight & level. I routinely pull 96 grain cars (mostly 5161s) but with four units...
Thanks, Russ! I'm fairly happy with it. I was surprised they used as many overall shots as they did - I tend to shoot tight so you don't see the walls and ceiling. In fact some of those shots were just grab shots to show them the overall layout. I'm also pleased with the online content, makes for a better overall experience, I think.
Just got my issue yesterday here in California, and WOW, what a great article and a great showcase for N scale! What blows me away is how quickly you managed to build the railroad, I wish I could be as focused. Congratulations Jim, it's a beautiful piece of work. Regards, Otto K.
