What is the pulling power of a BWL E8?

[Paradise275]

I see Trainworld has a clearance of BWL Pennsy E8's with paragon sound for $139. Will one pull the Kato Broadway Ltd. 16 car train up at 1.75% 16" helix or do I need two?

Rick

[C855B]

Hmmm... definitely maybe. They have traction tires, but curve and steep-ish grade compound the load and IMO would be near or at the limit.

But I wouldn't know firsthand - I have four plus one dummy pulling my 32-car City of Everywhere. It ought to be able to climb a wall.

[Paradise275]

I ask because my Kato GG1 will pull the train.

Rick

[Altoona]

The prototype BL had 2 E-8 (EP22) and A E7b (EP20) to get the train over the mountains. The Pennsy had a minimum requirement for 6000HP
for all limiteds.
It your railroad, so do what you like.

Judd Barton
SPF

[Cajonpassfan]

Rick, the answer is no. I need two powered BLI E7's to pull an 11 car Kato COLA up 2%. I think the units are underpowered for their traction tires; the gears start skipping when overloaded. I intend to power the third unit of my ABB set and get rid of the traction tires.
Otto K.

[Paradise275]

Thanks Otto and all for your input.
I guess the E8's from Kato must be much better pullers Than the BWL. Too much room for speakers and not enough weight for traction.

Rick

[BruceG]

My BWL E8A will pull a dummy E8B and a 12 car BL up a straight 2% grade. (I don't have the 4 car add on set.)  When I added a dummy E8A to the consist, it couldn't make the grade. I purchased another powered A unit (Trainworld sale) so I can run an ABA lashup pulling the BL.

The dummy B unit is a boat anchor, so I believe a single A unit could handle the 16 car BL. The unknown factor would be the drag caused by the curvature of the helix.

Bruce