[Sol]

Having just purchased this loco R2517 (which I think is a re-vamped Lima model), while it looks good, runs quietly with the new mechanism on plain track, I find that it bumps on ballasted Peco Code 75.
Yes, ballasting is done as per the many ways of doing it & I have had no problems with Hornby Grange or Praires , Bachmann steam or diesel or even the new Hornby/Lima GWR railcar but the new recruit is different. Having a closer look, the flanges, while they are not the older biscuit/cookie cutters, are not as fine as they could be. Ballasted Code 100 should give no problems.

Fortunately I only have about 16 yards of ballasted track now to go over with a fine pick

& will have to be extra carefull when carry on with the remaining 50+ yards.
Ron

 

[Nick B]

You are corrct; it is a revamped Lima model - the paintwork on the VSOE version looks stunning. In the Model Rail review, the Cl73 (and others) got a terrible review in relation to motor haulage capability. Home many coaches can your Cl 73 comfortably pull?

 

[PaulRhB]

I've got the FMrail version and it's as gutless as the real thing running on diesel! 6 coaches on the flat is about it or it struggles on curves, I haven't bothered adding more weight as I've been running it with the FM 31. Seems to be plenty of power just no adhesive weight.
Paul

 

[Sol]

At this stage, not tested properly, I got it late yesterday ( at 9PM) got home at 10, unpacked it, put it on the track & found it bouncing. No work on it or further testing as I have been at a Model Rail Exhibition all today( Saturday) & do not see myself getting to fully testing it until Monday.

I will keep interested people acroos my rrsults.

Ron

 

[Sol]

Pulling power:-

On the flat, it pulls 4 Bachmann/Hornby Mk1 coaches OK & will also pull 13 goods vehicles weighted to 50gms/2oz each

but

on a gradient of between 1in 40 & 1 in 50, it justs gets up with 3 coaches

. Seven goods wagons also is the limit.

While the weight of the loco is reasonable, as it only drives on one bogie & no traction tyres, it does not pull as well as the Bachmann Class 20 which of course has all wheels powered..
Yes, perhaps I could return it but the goods service I will put it on , only has to take 4 up the gradient so this is OK.

Now only have to go over my ballasted track to clean it it up.

Ron

 

[Sol]

I have added 50gms extra weight around & over the motor bogie, lubricated coach axles & it now takes 5 up the 1 in 63 gradient. My previous gradient figures were wrong.
Last night I saw the Pullman version pull 8 Pullman coaches on the flat & the owner had cleaned & lubricated coach wheels & added weight to the loco - before it would only drag 3 of them around.

 

[Brian Considine]

Just goes to show how often overlooked rolling stock maintenance can be (I'm guilty of it myself somethimes).

However, you should not have to add your own weights to brand new locomotives, unless its an environmental issue - less weight in the loco = less weight on the ship = less fuel used to move the stuff halfway round the world

 

[7113]

QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 4 May 2007, 08:14) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Just goes to show how often overlooked rolling stock maintenance can be (I'm guilty of it myself somethimes).

However, you should not have to add your own weights to brand new locomotives, unless its an environmental issue - less weight in the loco = less weight on the ship = less fuel used to move the stuff halfway round the world

Or more in the container = bigger shipments = bigger profits!!

Regards

John