Hi Dave and others --
As I have mentioned, I like to run long trains on occasion. The test I
conducted was with a train that had performed flawlessly with code 110
wheelsets. I did not run the test train through any turnouts, but the push
phase was up 2.5% and around 44” radius curves, which I recognize as being
much sharper than what you would find such a real train running upon. I
will go so far as to say my trackwork is somewhat better than average when
it comes to smoothness. I will admit there was a “ringer” car in the
group, an unballasted AM hopper, but I was looking at worst case testing.
To me, the minor improvement in looks was not matched by performance.
Additionally, there is no way I was going to remake all the driver tires on
my steamers to P64 contour.
At the time of the test, I had no inkling of the move we would make several
years later where I now have space enough to have 54" minimum radius curves
(out of sight), and usually much larger where they are visible (72"+).
Still, I have no intention of trying P64 again. HOWEVER, code 88 wheels
ought to do very nicely!
Thanks for doing this John.
Have fun!
Bill W.
------------------------------
Hi Bill, It might have also been the flexibility and equalization of the
trucks? With proto wheeled models the smaller flanged wheels need perfect
rail contact so if a truck is stiff or tweaked a bit they might derail where
a larger flange could still stay on the rails.
I don't know how friction and weight scale but I've experimented with P48
and P87 cars and found that they work ok as long as the track is smooth and
fair and the train length is matched to the prototype track curvature. I
built a mock up of the harlem transfer in P87 ( 90 foot prototype radius or
about 12 3/8 HO scale radius)and on these tight curves I could push cars
around slowly in short cuts which is what the prototype had to do also.
I wouldn't be afraid to build a P64 layout as long as I was planning to use
very wide curves and carefully built equipment. For the typical small space
we usually model a highly detailed P64 layout of a New York waterfront
layout would be a neat scene to model. Trying to fit in larger mainline
railroading scenes and operations would probably be a disappointment when it
came time to push a long cut or cars around a too sharp curve. Regards Dave
Branum
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