Trolley Grade & Curves

Hi,

Technically this is an Nn3 question, but pertains entirely to Z scale tracks and motor chasses.

We're strongly considering adding a short trolley line in a city on our N
layout. Leaning heavily towards Nn3 running on Z scale track, so the streets
appear wider relative to the track. Depending on how high up the city's hill we
run the trolley, the grade could get as steep as 6.2% and curves down to a 3"
radius, or tighter to take as a sharp street corner if we can. And with sharper
corners, we could ease the grade on those corners and allow a steeper grade on
the straightaways.

It would just be single cars running, not pulling anything else. For best visual
effect, we want it running as high up the hill as we can.

Anyone here tested Z engines for grade and curve limitations -- what are the
maximum grades and tighest curves you have found that work?

And how long are the Micro Trains Z scale diesel chasses for when it comes time
to fit the trolley bodies?

Thanks,
Mo

 

Traction Issue

Sounds like a traction issue for the grades. You might want to use an AZL GP7 with a set of traction wheels (Rubber band grippers) to aid in hill climbing than plain metal wheels. Add lots of white metal weight where possible to aid in that traction too. Cornering? It is possible, but might need to tweek the chassis truck stops that hold the maximum turning to a set radius.

Nn3 Trolley with Z chassis!!! Cool!!!

Hobo Tim

 

Well the 20% grade certainly would give us plenty of leeway for running a streetcar up the hill in grand style!

I'd be surprised to find a motor unit for this project that would let us see through the car, especially once we squeeze a DCC chip in there too. So I'm prepared to do printed interiors to put inside the windows.

How long is the frame on the AZL Geep?

Thanks,
Mo

 

Hi Tim, provided our friend wants to run his streetcars alone, in my opinion it's not worth using a GP7 chassis with its traction tires (as traction tires work as an insulator, one can assume that AZL GP7 is actually a 3-axle unit regarding power pick-up). I guess any Z scale chassis will be adequate on such grades, including MTL Geep's. If any doubt, for better results one can use a F7's chassis, even if now the best source for these is e*** as MTL doesn't release them anymore.

Dom

 

Yes, she does want to run her street cars alone (but usually when we have friends over the house) ^,^

On the Nn3 Yahoo group, somebody also recommended a Japanese model: JR Series 485

If grade climbing is good on any single unit with nothing in tow, how does the motor noise compare between AZL, MTL, and the JR, if any of you have heard these and can compare?

Thanks,
Mo