On May 26, 2009, at 07:18 , Graydon wrote:
The fundamental limits on train size are engine traction and drawbar
strength.
Remember that when starting the train, at some point the engine to
first
car drawbar has the entire mass of the train on it; this turns out
to be
more of an issue than engine traction. Past a certain size, you get
an
awful ping noise as a drawbar breaks, and then you have *two* trains.
Isn't the drawbar heavily spring loaded, so as to allow the engine to
at least get it's wheels turning a tiny bit before the weight of the
train is slowly, but quickly, pressed upon it? I'm talking only a few
inches of spring compression with a heavy load, but it does change the
math a bit.
Am unable to find any drawings or descriptions in cursory search, so I
may be mistaken, confusing model railroad engines to line engines.
Anyone know fer certain?
Joseph McAllister
[email protected]
“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug a camera.”
–Lewis Hine
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