> > How much should the load weigh? > > Bill Lane > If you want to go by the NMRA standards, it would be 2oz + (8" * 1/2oz) = 6oz. > Peter.
The NMRA specs are for the total car, not just the load. Gotta figure in the trucks, couplers, paint and the load. In my view, the NMRA specs are heavier than needed and I prefer about 50-66% of what they specify. Broad curves, like those on the Mighty NYC, let lighter cars stay on the track easier. Sharp curves tend to stringline them. Of course with short trains it won't matter much, but on the head end of a long train rolling through a sharp curve it will matter quite a bit much. And, you will want the load easily removeable for Op Sessions where the car is loaded/unloaded to provide a rationale for switching it out of -- or into -- the siding. Then again, the empty car will be very light indeed. You might want to roll solder around the axles like all the olde tymers in O scale used to do. Keeps the center of gravity down low, adds weight, is mostly invisible and is non-magnetic. Maybe glue nails into the center beam going along the middle of the underbody. Those older guys had lotsa good ideas in their day. Bill....you will like the official "S"acto convention gondola car since it has a weight concealed beneath the floor where it cannot be seen. Loaded or not, the car tracks well. Click here for ordering information: http://www.x2011west.org/nasg.html#convcar See you in "S"acto....Ed L. ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
