Rokuhan Z Shorty For N Scale

[Lemosteam]

I'm still trying to decide if the added friction at each axle contact is a good or bad thing.

[DKS]

I'm still trying to decide if the added friction at each axle contact is a good or bad thing.

I've found that for critters, the added friction can be a good thing because it can reduce motor cogging a bit. And since you're not hauling long trains, you're not losing any pulling power.

[peteski]

I'm still trying to decide if the added friction at each axle contact is a good or bad thing.

Those springs are so weak and the contact area is so small that there will be relatively little added tension.  Mark mentioned coupler centering  springs, not those heavier springs used to stop slinking.  I still hope that he adds that info to his initial post.

[randgust]

I've got one on the way so we'll see what I come up with.

I've been tinkering with the Tomytec 12mm (6' 4") wheelbase inside-contact trucks in a similar way, but it's obvious from the get-go that there's a big difference in electrical reliability between end-axle pickups and inside contact plates.

I've also had a lot of requests for my Climax A's in Nn3 but there's been no good chassis to do it with.

[Lemosteam]

Those springs are so weak and the contact area is so small that there will be relatively little added tension.  Mark mentioned coupler centering  springs, not those heavier springs used to stop slinking.  I still hope that he adds that info to his initial post.

Yeah, friction is relative to the torque applied at the spring OD, so weaker motor, less torque, et al., but I understand your thinking.  Just seems counter intuitive until you consider what DKS mentions as a perceived benefit, especially if the electrical contact is just as reliable.

[up1950s]

Mine came today . I was thinking mine loco . Then short trip scenic railroad like you would find in a zoo or amusement park . The trucks almost touch each other , so a 1900's 4-4-0 General with a tender drive on Z tracks would be nice . Till something becomes available it will be a task for another day , but thrilled to ponder it will become .

[Mark W]

Here's one for the Shorty!   https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=44665.0