A long time project comes to an end. In January 2006 I came across the idea of scratch building an 25-ton. I've heard from the Grandt Line. This should not be a good runner. I operate my layout and every engine must have a good performance. Brass was my choice. This gives weight. And such a little engine needs weight. I worked with a fretsaw and a fine saw blade for metal. And a calm hand! The driving unit came from Hollywood Foundry. Here's a first test run. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fiyrg-Lp58]test run[/ame] Now I've installed the decoder and lamps. All I need is a better programming. But the engine is ready for service: Wolfgang
That is realy neat, I saw a picture on I believe http://www.locophotos.com and there was a unit like this painted as BN. the BN like engine worked in a Minneapolis grain mill.
I've just tested it at Westport yard. This 25-ton pulled like its prototype, about 6 cars on level track. The cars were about 120 g each, this comes up to 700 g nearly. For the non-metric fans about 24 oz. :angel: Wolfgang
Ah, but what is the rolling resistance? Speaking of, I went to the National Model Train Show in Detroit two years ago an found a guy with a prototype rolling drawbar-pull car. You'd couple it in line with a train, and an on-board strain gauge would measure the pull and output to a small LCD display. Unfortunately, I waited, the guy found no interest and ultimately sold the one of a kind prototype. Dang. Matt
A spring will work as a power meter. You can use any spring and you will have to gauge this device. Take a roll and a thread. Use a weight at one end of the thread and the ready device at the other end. It should work linear! Twice weight will give twice more length from the spring. Wolfgang
Wolfgang, That is a very nice model you have built. I too am a fan of small motive power. I have a GE 25 ton brass modle made by Fomras. It is a nice modle and runs well but it has open gears and tends to pick up hair, dust and lint. Gary
Welcome at TrainBoard, Gary. Well, the gears are "nearly" closed. Here's a pic: You see also I used every chance to get in some lead. :angel: This way I came up to 100g, (3.5oz), important for pulling power. Wolfgang
Wolfgang, I like your mechanisim. I will weigh my 25 tonner as soon as I figure out where my wife hid the postal scale. I will take a picture of the works on mine so you can compare. Gary
Here's a pic from the driving unit Hollywood Foundry Railway Products They build "The BullAnt" for you, Wheel Size & Type, gauge, Wheelbase and more. Wolfgang
Now this little critter is ready for service. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVYrtGhXX4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVYrtGhXX4[/ame] Wolfgang
Wolfgang, Mucho Kudos to you!!!!!! I had to use your video as an example of what Remote uncoupling would look like if it was available in every single car. I found a good example around 8;22-8:24 in your main Switching with the 25 tonner video. I'm guessing you use Kadee under the rail uncoupler magnets. It looks great but I think in time we can go one better! Phenomenal layout, BTW.
Yes, there's a Kadee magnet under the ties. It's marked with a tie next to the track. And now I've added a white spot. This way my operators have a better chance. :angel: Wolfgang
Wolfgang, You've out done yourself. I've really enjoyed following your layout, keep the pics and info coming. Larry http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/ppuser/8745/cat/500
I personalt like the LOK Better, one more good sound choice, is the decoders that come in Broadway Limited Engines, i have one of their AC6000's it has great sound where does the decoder go, it is so cramped in that loco! xD:mbiggrin:
TrainMaster1018, welcome to TrainBoard. The decoder, ESU Loksound micro, "shoehorns" under the hood. I had to sand the brass hood a bit. Here's a picture made during a test fitting. You see the decoder, many wires and the front light with its SMD resistor. You can also recognize the speaker under the cab roof. Wolfgang
