George observed:
> My American Models GP-9 has been pushing 10 to 12 PRS, SHS, AM
> freight cars up a 3%+ grade. It doesn't even slow noticably slow down.
> I've often wondered if a prototype would do as well.
For what it's worth:
I was associated with a railroad that operated over a 7 mile grade in the
2.5% range. One GP7 (slightly less HP than a GP9) was rated for 770 tons on
that grade. For the era, that would equate to roughly 7 loaded sand hoppers
and a caboose.
> ...it does seem model locomotives are more powerful than prototypes.
In things I've read in the modeling press in the dateless past, it was felt
that, as a general rule, a model will be able to pull LESS on a level grade
that its prototype, but much MORE on a grade than its protoype. Go figure.
> it makes adding helpers on a small layout an exercise in imagination.
Bingo! That was what I wanted to find a workable solution around. Modeling
wise, anything that imposes tonnage restrictions that is not based on
adhesion, mass and resistance, is contrived and thus arbitrary. My
experimentation indicated that IF a modeler can have loads and empties and
rely upon adhesion that replicates the protoype: Fun resulted.
Odd how the things you dread and that make for a long day (and much more
work) on the prototype can be considered elements that could add spice and
fun to a model layout! Oh, for the power of GHA when working with the 1:1
stuff!
Andre Ming
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