Comments on: Weights of Cars and Position in Consist

By: Neville Parry

Neville Parry — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:09:24 +0000

In the real world, railways/railroads generally have much larger radius curves than we can manage on our models. There is however another difference that is very infrequently mentioned – rolling resistance. The rolling resistance of modern prototype vehicles is very low due to the use of roller bearings checked regularly by hot-box detectors. High rolling resistance on the model can be partially alleviated by using steel axles with pointed ends rolling in brass bearings. I have not looked at how this compares when things are scaled, but I have hardly ever seen problems with light/heavy stock equipped this way. My personal experience is that with well-laid track, I have minimal problems with (UK) models, both passenger and goods, that have had additional weights removed.

By: Glenn Gardiner

Glenn Gardiner — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 03:44:13 +0000

I will be honest, I don’t know how placement is determined in the real world. However, I have learned, over my 30 years in the hobby and some 4% grades, not to put light cars near the front. With my inclines, lighter cars can be pushed off the rails going down the grades. All my rolling stock is weighted to NMRA standards, plus. If a piece of rolling stock should be 5 1/2 oz, I will weight it to 6oz. I would rather be slightly heavier, than a little light. I use BlueRail to control my locos, so setting up a MU is quite simple. Glenn

By: Dale

Dale — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 03:31:51 +0000

Actually, the real railroads have similar issues. That’s why every car has markings for base weight and for load limit. I recommend that you check the weight standards for freight cars on the NMRA website. Once you know the recommended weights you should make sure all your cars are in specification. For flat cars, hoppers, and gondolas you should include any loads in the car’s weight. You’re correct in that light cars may tend to derail on curves and turnouts while heavy cars will limit the number the loco can haul.

By: Murray

Murray — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 03:06:13 +0000

Go to NMRA.com. This is the “governing body” for NA hobby. They have RP’s (recommended practices) and they have tables for adding weight to cars..

By: David Stokes

David Stokes — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 02:59:04 +0000

Sadly the bloke to answer this question expertly and with added humour passed away a couple of years ago. Cliff Olds worked for most railways in Oz, starting as a boy loco cleaner and retiring as the Chief Train Controller of the South Australian/Australian National Railways in SA, His breadth of experience in all facets of railway working was amazing, and his willingness to share unbounded.

By: Hervey Howe

Hervey Howe — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 02:36:59 +0000

Janelle
To simulate prototypical ops I leave unloaded cars towards the rear and heavily loaded cars toward the front. Fuel cars are never directly attached to the loco.
In reality on your layout the cars should weigh almost the same loaded or empty. Look to the NMRA Standard and Practices. You will find what you are looking for in Recommended Practise 20. Some view these as a minimum and will deliberately exceed these recommendations.