Bachmann N scale 44 ton

[Bsklarski]

The distributor has them on clearance for $44 (my cost) each. I was wondering how they are on atlas c55 track and with the short wheel base am I going to have to power all frogs? I would rather not do that.

[peteski]

No problem on Atlas C55 track (that is what my friend has).  I fine tuned his loco and replaced the decoder with a DZ125.  But due to the short wheelbase and relatively light weight, it still stalls sometimes on fully powered Atlas turnouts.  There is no magic solution for the shortcomings (other than keeping the track impeccably clean and maybe even hardwiring the points to the closure rails on Atlas turnouts.

[victor miranda]

44 bucks....

tempting.
I have enough projects...

why not get one and see if you can solve the pick-up problem?

victor

[peteski]

44 bucks....

tempting.
I have enough projects...

why not get one and see if you can solve the pick-up problem?

victor

I pretty much took care of the pickup issues here https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=32605.0
Unless you add depleted uranium to the model for extra weight (or permanently couple a boxcar with electrical pickups in its trucks, it is as good as it will get for this type of a model.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Where are these $45? Do they have 70 tonners as well?

[victor miranda]

Hi peteski...
because that does not solve the pick-up problem...

It is as good as that design gets.
as a design, it leaves some thing to be desired.

I have a few other things on my projects list.  so I am not chasing that project.
I know it can be better.  I knew that the instant I saw it.

just pushing down on the drivers with a contact will get quite a lot of improvement.

victor

[peteski]

Victor, the pickups as I have modified them provide continuous contact between wheels and the rest of the model. 

Please let me know exactly what other improvements you have in mind so I could incorporate those modifications in friend's loco.  My friend would appreciate if that loco could magically run even better than it is now.

[jimmo]

I'm surprised that Chris333 didn't mention the use of tungsten weights in his 44 ton loco. I don't remember where I saw the article but I remember seeing an impressive video of that tiny engine pulling a long freight train.

[Chris333]

 

I haven't had problems with the pick-ups on mine. I did have drooping sideframes, had to egg out their mounting holes so they could rotate vertical and then I glued them in place. Out of the box they would hit the railhead at turnouts and stuff.

[peteski]

The one I tuned up has no problem over clean continuous track - only on turnouts.  Like it was mentioned  it is a short loco with rather high-friction mechanism so it doesn't simply coast through intermittent connection with the track.

[delamaize]

I "solved" the pick up issue by having 2 of them MU'd together. One stalls, the other shoves it though, and vice versa! 

[Ike the BN Freak]

Where are these $45?

And how do the rest of us get some?

[Catt]

I would not mind getting one for that price.My 70 tonner has had no problems what ever (so far )

[Missaberoad]

Where are these $45? Do they have 70 tonners as well?

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-GE-44-Ton-Switcher-Locomotives-s/2772.htm

Certain you could find them elsewhere too, seems to be no short supply...
70 ton are 69$

Ryan

[victor miranda]

Hi peteski,

Like I said, I have no real interest in exploring this.
been there, done it, had tee shirt, wore it to rags, washed the car.

Given the design of that loco, it is possible for just one wheel on one side
to be the only electrical contact on that side. 
... what proof there is... may be found in solving the turnout stalls.
You need a way to use the loco's weight to push the wheels into the track.

it will help to make sure the trucks can allow a side to side rocking  and get at least
two wheels per side doing electrical service.

I agree the b-mann pickup system is acceptable, once ( do not miss this. Once.)
you get the power into the wheels. 

Here is the  idea; Think springs on the tops of the wheels.
Find a way to mount a pick-up that contacts the top of the wheels
and that presses down the wheels
it will take some trial to get the right amount of spring.
I have found a little is good and a lot is bad.

glory awaits you.

victor