Improving the tractive effort of the LGB V52

[AustrianNG]

When the regulations on the use of lead came into force LGB changed the composition of the weights inside their locos from lead based to a different non-toxic alloy.
This resulted in the locos being a lot lighter and as a consequence reducing their respective haulage capacities.
I have added weight to most of my loco roster as my railway has steep gradients on it.
The loco in question.......
You can see how small the weights are.

 

[AustrianNG]

I compared my blue version to the older red version. You can see the difference in the weights !

 

[AustrianNG]

So, using gloves to handle the roofers lead roll and cutting it with HD scissors I cut a kilos worth of lead to put the overall weight on a par with the red VL21 (formerly a V52 but redesignated to the number the StLB gave it when it ran in Austria).
I wrapped the lead in duct tape prior to install in the loco.

 

[AustrianNG]

Now the loco is up to 3.5 kilos and will haul 5 four wheelers up the 1:20 gradient of the spiral and the second climb up to the mountain line.

 

[Dan]

I would have been tempted to add sound and install a heavy FRS7 visiton speaker, plus the weights.

 

[AustrianNG]

I would have been tempted to add sound and install a heavy FRS7 visiton speaker, plus the weights.

I know what you mean Dan.
A third of my loco roster have digital sound and sometimes I am quite happy just to hear the wheels click over the rail joints.
I have been to many a garden railway meet and after 15 minutes wishing that the sounds would be turned off......

 

[Edgar]

Do those engines look to be a proper scale pulling jackson sharp coaches and LGB full size cars?

 

[AustrianNG]

I don’t have any experience of Jackson Sharp stock or standard gauge stock (I assume that is what you mean).
perhaps another forumite can help you with that question.

 

[Edgar]

After asking the question, I was looking through Alan (stockers) large scale pictures thread and found him running one on page 14. To my imagination the engine looks like it might pass as US stock, but I’m too ignorant to discern if it appears diminutive or not.

 

[Paul M]

I know what you mean Dan.
A third of my loco roster have digital sound and sometimes I am quite happy just to hear the wheels click over the rail joints.
I have been to many a garden railway meet and after 15 minutes wishing that the sounds would be turned off......

Dare I say it, but try going to a 16mm Association steam day, all proper steam engine noises, and quite often the smell of coal.