gph2000 Posted September 12, 2019 Posted September 12, 2019 (edited) I've just installed a long 1:60 grade which includes a quarter circle turn. My Bachmann N class is stalling - with wheel spin exiting the curve with a four coach train. The track is temporary so it could be some of the issue. The goal is to haul 5 coaches, and I cant do much better than 1:60 on the slope. Am I asking the impossible? Edited September 12, 2019 by gph2000 Quote
Glenderg Posted September 13, 2019 Posted September 13, 2019 With that gradient, all is missing is weight. Load up the tender with lead, see what happens.. R. Quote
Broithe Posted September 13, 2019 Posted September 13, 2019 Downforce on the driving wheels will help, either by adding weight on them or by using https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/powerbase-mini-magnet-pack-x24-smaller-magnets/ - to add force without adding (much) weight. Quote
DiveController Posted September 13, 2019 Posted September 13, 2019 (edited) I suspect Richie & Jim are correct. The obvious issue is that the extra resistance created as each additional coach enters the curve especially with longer coaches versus 4w wagons. If extra weight fails to resolve for the 5 coaches you could flatten/eliminate the gradient within the curve, increase the gradient to more than 1:60 on the straight if you need the achieve a minimum rise over the total distance, increase the radius of the curve starting it earlier if necessary, consider a Cork tunnel style banking engine! as shorter rolling stock probably not an option in this scenario. I don't know if there is a rule of thumb for how much to add except that if you add enough balanced weight you should have greater traction. Adding more than necessary will add some strain to the gearing especially f the loco is running longer circuits. Let us know how much weight you had to add when you can. TIA Edited September 13, 2019 by DiveController Quote
gph2000 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Posted September 19, 2019 A craft knife taped to the boiler was enough to prove the concept. I have ordered some 1mm lead rolls from ebay (Fishing section) for a more permanent solution. I might experiment with metal strip and magnets Dcc Concepts style too for variety. 1 Quote
gph2000 Posted September 19, 2019 Author Posted September 19, 2019 Another thing that I could do is to approach the curve at 1:46, take it on the level and then continue the next straight at 1:60 Quote
Broithe Posted September 19, 2019 Posted September 19, 2019 9 hours ago, gph2000 said: A craft knife taped to the boiler was enough to prove the concept. True cutting-edge technology.. Reducing the curve will certainly help, too. Quote
Dave Posted September 20, 2019 Posted September 20, 2019 Also remember with curves on gradient, the tighter the curve is, it will have an affect on the gradient. Quote
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