How Much Can It Pull

[brubakes]

Is there a rule of thumb or someway to tell how much any given locomotive can pull? I wouldn't want to burn up a motor.

 

[NYC_George]

Engine pulling power

Like a real engine it depends on weight on drivers. How much does the engine weigh and how many wheels have traction motors providing the pulling power. I know two powered Intermountain F7's can pull 32 cars up a 3% grade with no problem. It takes 3 powered Atlas GP 40's to do the same job. Because of the helix I measure the pulling power of a engine at what it can pull up a 3% grade.

NYC_George

 

[UP2CSX]

To add to what George said, it also depends on the size of the motor, the gearing, and how well everything meshes together. There is no general rule for model locomotives although weight on the drivers is still probably the most important factor. I have a Proto 1000 set of F3's, both powered. I don't have the grades that George does but they will pull 35 cars on about a .5% grade. I also have a Mantua Metal Engine F-7 with a huge motor and it has nearly a pound of weight on each set of trucks. I tried it once with 50 cars and it pulled them without even slipping when it started. I think it could pull every car I own if I had enough trackage.

 

[kjd]

As long as you have not over-weighted the loco and it can slip its wheels, you shouldn't have to worry about burning up a motor. If in doubt, check the shell with your hand once in awhile. If it starts to feel warm, slow it down or stop and rest a bit. The only time I have ever had any locos get warm was at a train show where they were just running around and round for a couple hours. I used to have a layout with an 80' grade and would pull trains up with the wheels almost slipping but it was short enough they never got hot.

 

[brubakes]

Thanks for the information so far guys. Currentlly I am just starting out and I have a Bachmann 2-8-4 Berkshire pulling 6 Walthers Pullman Built Heavyweight Paired Window Coachs. Seems fine, the locomotive isn't getting warm but I wanted to check in case I add a baggage car and a observation car.

 

[UP2CSX]

That 2-8-4 should easily be able to handle 8 free rolling passenger cars on level track. The key with a steam engine is wheel slip. If you get more that a microsecond of wheelslip starting the train, you've exceeded the load capacity if it encounters any kind of grade.

 

[brubakes]

I a little warm to the touch okay? I have a new Proto 2000 SD9 that runs like a dream. After using it for awhile its slightly warm to the touch. Not hot, just a little warm.

 

[River Run]

The heaviest engines are Tiger Valleys, they weigh almost 2 pounds apiece and will pull anything. I ran a trio of TV ALCOS on my old layout and my bridge collapsed under their weight. lol

 

[UP2CSX]

Warm to the touch is normal if the engine has been running a few minutes. Electric motors are pretty tolerant of heat as long as it's not enough to start burning up insulation. That would feel hot to your hand, not warm. My rule is hold the engine over the motor for five seconds. As long as it's still not uncomfortably warm to hold the engine, you're fine.