Okay, I’ve got the lead weights and permission to use the scale allocated for use in the kitchen. I’m weighing my rolling stock and putting supplemental weight where necessary. Here’s my questions: Does everybody put the extra weight in their stock when they are not within NMRA standards and where do you put the weight on an unloaded flat car or a tanker? Also, does anyone know of a manufacturer who makes a fire truck for the late 50’s to late 60’s era? Mark ___________________________ RATCALS Red Ale “We Make It, You Drink It!”
No cars are allowed on my railroad until they have been weighted to NMRA recommendations (or a bit more for longer cars). Very important for good running. And I suspect that none of us has a shortage of loomotives to haul the heavier cars ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Just a tip: I used to use lead weights at first. But I found out that one of the cheapest ways to add weights is to use pennys. If I remember right, 10 pennys weigh around 1/4 ounce.
I used pennys in My intermountain hoppers, but if the car got hit or rocked just enough the pennys would shift and the car would topple over. Kevin
I know a guy that weighted his Precision Master's Ortner open hoppers with nine Aussie one-cent pieces (about the weight and size of the US penny - when they were around). They tracked very well, but needed plenty of HP front and rear to get it around his somewhat hilly (no more than 2%) layout. If I recall correctly, it was 2 C30-7's and 2 U30-C's up front and a lone U30-C down back - pre DCC of course! Mark, you can hide weight inside the tankcar body but the flatcar is not so easy. Loads are about the best for that. Unfortunately, it precludes running empties. Alan's 60' flats would be fine as they are cast metal and MTL flats have a metal frame, though little underweight. Try finding a listing of Burt Industries vehicles for the firetruck. Utilise the Google search engine below. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree!
No cars are allowed on the Federal Furnace Lines until they are a proper weight. When I first started I would grab them from the box and off we went. I quickly learned that this only led to wheels on the ground. So now it is weigh, and inspect before running. It is amazing how many wheel sets are out of spec too. Art
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kevin D Mumaw: I used pennys in My intermountain hoppers, but if the car got hit or rocked just enough the pennys would shift and the car would topple over. Kevin<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Why don't you glue the pennies down or to each other? This would stop the shifting and not cause you anymore troubles. ------------------ Mike Drzycimski Arlington, TX The Southview Lines
I received four heavy duty 4 truck flat cars for B'day, and they would't even go through a turnout, so I thought about it. No body ever sees the bottom of the car anyway, so I mixed lead bird shot (shotgun shell load), with plaster of Paris, and filled the under carriage solid. Worked like a champ! None ever derail even if pushed through turnouts, or my shortest curves. I have one that is 26" radius on a shortline, though there are some 18" on the logging way up in the mountains where these cars will never go anyway. ------------------ Watash #982
Thanks for the help guys. I now don't feel quite so silly weighing my stuff. As far as the firetruck goes Gary, it seems Burt Industries is out of business and there's not much of there stock floating around anywhere. Anyone else got any suggestions. Mark _________________________________ RATCALS Red Ale "When's the Last Time You Had One?"
I suggest you contact Tom and Ginny Yagerhofer who own Crescent Station at: ...crescentstation.com.. and ask them for advice. They are the nicest folks to deal with, and have a large inventory of suppliers they buy from all over the world. Most factories are now making HO and N, some also make O gauge size products. Tom has #BP 46022 1960 American LaFrance Open Cab Pumper #BP 46023 1960 Semi trailer Aerial Ladder American LaFrance #IM 870010 Ford CC-2axel Pumper #RMM 6009 T-66 3axel Air Port Pumper (his catalog is $3.00) He has cars, trucks, tractors, take a look at his products list of photos, and go down the line to american models. I think they are excellent. If any one can help you or direct you, I think Tom is your best bet. ------------------ Watash #982
