I just received my wheel sets from Oliver Passmann, that he has turned and installed traction tires on. The results are dramatic. In order to maintain as much electrical pickup as possible, Oliver only mounts 1 tire per axle, and recommends 2 axles per loco. Here you can see the traction tire up close. I placed one on each truck, playing on the theory that a plane is defined by 3 points, not 4, so having 3 metal wheels and 1 traction tire per truck made sense for electrical pickup, yet still provides traction. I modified another GP35 to run backwards so I could do a Tug-o-war. See this video that shows they locos running opposite directions: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/999/006.MOV And this video shows the traction tire upgraded loco pulling the non upgraded one after they both take coupler slack up: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/999/005.mov I am well pleased, and will be upgrading more locos with this mod.
Robert, how long did it take and how much did it cost. I am thinking of doing it also. Plus, I want him to install a decoder into my C44. I like what he did to Jurgs SD70.
It took a couple weeks, and 7.50 EUR per wheel, or 15 EUR per loco. That's only $20, and now 1 single GP pulls at least as well as two.
How Many! How many is "at least as well as two"?????? Well cars? 50' boxcars? Tank cars? Tell us Robert!!!!! :teeth: Hobo Tim
I think we got my GP35-without any modifications-up to 35 cars, maybe 40. I have about 22 on my GP7 as I type!!
It depends on which brand of cars: myself I've made tests with a 22-car consist made exclusively of FR-Models brass (which are quite heavier than MTL cars): woodchip cars and grain hoppers. On straight and level track a single GP 35 is stalled, a 2-unit lashup moves the train without any wheel slip. Dom
Micheal, you must have a flat track. What FR's are you running? The only FR cars I own are the PS2 and the Gunderson. The PS2s are very heavy, but I like to run my engines in pairs anyway. Less likely to stall in switches.
3 PRR MOW Hoppers, 2 NH fishbelly Hoppers, 2 DH Hoppers, 2 B&Os. I thought I had more but I don't. I don' have any PS2s. I do have 2 NH Boxcars and a flat car plus a beloved EY-3 in NH trim! I haven't made a layout yet so my track is flat on my dining room table. But even when we are at train shows or at group meetings, I like to run long consists. I will MU the GP7s and GP9s in the future. I wish MTL came out with one more PRR GP35 (you listening Joe of Brand X?) ;-) Now if I could only get my hands on a set of Waddell Hoppers from FR...anyone want to sell a set????? I don't believe Harald will ever make them again and it's up to Uncle Will to redo them in injection-molded plastic/styrene or brass with FR... Michael
Micheal, I know what you feel. I am trying to find a FR CSX coal porter. Well, at least I was able to acquire a FR CSX Gunderson well car.
FR Coal Porter! John, I know of someone who once had the FR Coalporter in kit form. He may still have it. Can't hurt to try! Harold Grady sent me a RTV impression of it a few years ago. You can always see if he has it and more and if he is willing to part with it!!!! Sorry I don't have his email address, but you can locate him on the Z_Scale Yahoo group. Since I am not a member of that group I can't recall what his contact info is! With a little research you can find it! Have a great day! Hobo Tim
Tim, I have two of the kits, but I am becoming a "Randy". I accumulated a lot projects that I have not time to do. I love to build stuff, but there isn't enought hours in a day. By the time I have some free time, I am too tired to do anything. In the future, I will stay away from kits and buy more rtr.
John, I've also this CSX FR Kit, I've allready soldered the Car a couple of month ago but still doesent' paint and decal them yet.
Michael, I've a couple of Waddel Hoppers from FR. Contact me offline and we can found out something for you. BTW I prefer trading.
