PDR - Jack and Slomo down the spiral

owlpool

owlpool

Welsh NG in the mountains. live steam
Country flag
RH Jack "Dic Penderyn" just fitted with a Slomo
excellent control for stops / starts, up and down hill etc
easy to fit
the spiral gradient is 1:33, eased to about 1:50 at the viaduct, and 1:100 at the middle station

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzHXrT61EI4
 
That's interesting. Your link brings me to my Youtube log-in page??
 
oops

try this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzHXrT61EI4
 
Ah, more better! I like your viaduct.
 
cheers
Cain Howley viaduct
too heavy to be shipped to the States I think
 
That looks marvellous , I shall have to give serious consideration to fitting my Roundhouse locos with these.
 
£200 a pop
but well worth it in my opinion
doesn't fit all locos, OK if outside valve gear
 
owlpool said:
£200 a pop
but well worth it in my opinion
doesn't fit all locos, OK if outside valve gear
Click to expand...

I have a Jack and a Stanley Steam Tram that I am considering fitting up with these. A couple of questions:-
1 How difficult was it to fit to Jack?
2 Have you noticed any appreciable decrease in Run Time for a Steam Up?
JonD
 
I did notice that, as the downhill grade got steeper, the loco picked up speed. This isn't a criticism of the Slomo system but rather an observation. Surely the Slomo is intended for slow running rather than a speed retarder?

What is needed for model steam locos is a Slomo with a built in retarder. Whilst I love model steam locos, apart from the fact that I never budgeted for one, the operating speeds are breakneck!
 
dunnyrail said:
I have a Jack and a Stanley Steam Tram that I am considering fitting up with these. A couple of questions:-
1 How difficult was it to fit to Jack?
2 Have you noticed any appreciable decrease in Run Time for a Steam Up?
JonD
Click to expand...

It.was quite straightforward to fit. About 90 mins I think, screwdriver Allan key and file.
There are clear instructions, both written and video, which can be accessed via the Summerland website

I think it does shorten running time a bit, only had a few runs with it so far
 
trammayo said:
I did notice that, as the downhill grade got steeper, the loco picked up speed. This isn't a criticism of the Slomo system but rather an observation. Surely the Slomo is intended for slow running rather than a speed retarder?

What is needed for model steam locos is a Slomo with a built in retarder. Whilst I love model steam locos, apart from the fact that I never budgeted for one, the operating speeds are breakneck!
Click to expand...

It does both

Slow running control is excellent. I have to get used to adjusting for my gradient changes just prior to getting to them
The slomo, going downhill seems to both retard and give inertia
 
The Slomo is an interesting concept as a stored energy principle - a little bit like the early Parry People Movers or the 1950's electric Gyro Bus.
I did wonder, when they were first mentioned on the Forum, if they might be an answer to the "stuttering" track pick-up capabilities (or is that inabilities?) of 0-4-0 locos that cause operational problems sometimes?
 
Would it not be easier to add a capacitor?
 
Beddhist said:
Would it not be easier to add a capacitor?
Click to expand...

It might. I think mechanically - electronics are a weird science to me ;)
 
a bit more steam and noise in the sunshine

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nq_YWWQ1Y4

don't know much about electrics
 
Another of the benefits to the Slomo sounds like as the Loco Works Harder the Chuff appears to be Louder. Well that is how it appears to me, noticed that effect on the one on the Summerlands Movie as well now I come to think of it.
JonD
 
owlpool said:
a bit more steam and noise in the sunshine

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nq_YWWQ1Y4

don't know much about electrics
Click to expand...

Me neither.

Nice sounds from the Chuffer - and the plume of steam looked really good as it reappeared.
 
trammayo said:
I did notice that, as the downhill grade got steeper, the loco picked up speed. This isn't a criticism of the Slomo system but rather an observation. Surely the Slomo is intended for slow running rather than a speed retarder?

What is needed for model steam locos is a Slomo with a built in retarder. Whilst I love model steam locos, apart from the fact that I never budgeted for one, the operating speeds are breakneck!
Click to expand...

Having a 1 in 10 gradient on my line, and really wanting to have live steam I had to make sure that any steam loco was able to travel..s...l..o..w..l..y.. and also be happy when going down the hill.
The Regner geared locos and Accucraft live steam Shays were the answer. They really can go slow especially the Shays. There is a quickening of pace down hill especially if there is a good load behind but not drastically so.
 
trammayo said:
Me neither.

Nice sounds from the Chuffer - and the plume of steam looked really good as it reappeared.
Click to expand...

cheers - I like to see things disappearing and reappearing around / behind scenery too
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom