How does yours pull on that 2 percent?
Gregg:
I built two L-1s'. This one will pull 30+ cars easily up the 2% grade. (40' boxcars with metal wheel sets). I have four reverse loops on the JJJ&E. The smallest reverse loop will hold 30 cars plus the loco and tender. It would pull around 40 cars it that reverse loop was by passed.
With diesels, I usually pull 28 cars with a ABBA configuration taking into account the size of the smallest reverse loop. I've placed resistors on some of the axles of the cars for block occupancy detection.
On the second L-1s, I installed a second set of traction tires on the # 2 driver. It is a stronger puller. The added weight of the boiler casting really makes a difference. There is no loss of electrical conductivity with the addition of the second set of traction tires.
I also have a pair of NP W-5's (GHQ Conversion kit) using a long tender to accommodate the Lok-Sound decoder and speaker. The performance of these two are the same as the L-1s.
Stay cool and run steam......