LGB 70580 starter set Wangerooge diesel - test runs up Pootank Pass

whatlep

whatlep

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Load testing on July 19th. Both with 7 LGB hoppers, fully loaded with the finest invisible ballast Ruritania can supply. Test 1 not really a resounding success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuustz4FPbo

Second test much more rewarding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLhphKSDxPE&feature=youtu.be

The difference? Simple. The factory-fitted skates have been removed. Once the drag effect of those is gone, Pootank Pass is a cinch - just about. A little slipping at 30 seconds in and also around 45 seconds.

These videos courtesy of the Chief Mechanical Engineers Department, Ruritanian Railways. :nerd:
 
Aaah the dreaded pootank pass, a bit more weight and less speed works wonders for the pulling power (of locos that is). Looks very good tho Peter
 
Looking good Tiger....
 
Excellent, Peter, and an amazing comparison between the with/without skates running! I knew that folks said they caused drag, but I really didn't realise just how much....
Going on J2S's suggestion of weaker springs, would cutting a few turns off the existing springs have the desired effect?

Jon.
 
Thanks for the comments chaps. The springs fitted with LGB's skates are really pretty free moving, but their prime purpose is to keep the skate in contact with the rail for extra power pickup, so drag is absolutely inevitable. I proved the point to myself a few years ago with some formal testing of my then fleet. The results are here: http://www.gscalecentral.net/fb.ashx?m=9472

I don't see a lot of point in tinkering with the skates' springs. Much better to get rid completely and reduce the drag. On locos like the Kof with a short wheelbase, there is a strong chance that the loco will hit a dead spot somewhere on a layout (point frogs, uneven track etc) and the skates won't help. Much better to do as I've done on the Wangerooge and install one of the new Massoth "eMotion powercap micro" power buffers (8151601). Works like witchcraft!
 
Ah yes, I'd forgotten that you've put the Powercap in it! Much better solution as you say, though they're not cheap....

Jon.

Edit: where does the micro powercap connect to the XL, Peter? Couldn't see it very clearly in your installation thread piccies.
 
Zerogee said:
Ah yes, I'd forgotten that you've put the Powercap in it! Much better solution as you say, though they're not cheap....

Jon.

Edit: where does the micro powercap connect to the XL, Peter? Couldn't see it very clearly in your installation thread piccies.
Click to expand...

Hi Jon

Yes, the power buffer isn't cheap, but it works brilliantly. At some point I'll do a proper review of the new one, but suffice it to say that I can now use single-motor locos where previously it had to be a Mallet or a battery-powered job. Both those are more expensive options! On the XL, you need to program CV 29 (and ideally CV118 too) before attaching the buffer. It then goes: red to decoder +ve; black to decoder -ve (ground) and white to function 5 connector (A5). The buffer manual has all the details:
lhttp://www.massoth.com/dlbereich/down.php?action=en&kategorie=2&gruppe=64
 
Excellent both the new loco and the very interesting comparison of skate drag. It's obvious when you think about it, but I think we don't really have a feeling for the scale forces involved.
 
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