[modeleng] Re: Traction Power

Sounds like extravegent expenditure to me !

I too have seen the 25 x as a hauling power.
I would think it depends upon the bearings on the trolleys, gradient, and 
similar variables.
Useful as a starting point though.

Alan Stepney

http://www.alanstepney.info
Model Engineering & steam engine information pages
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clifton Walker" <clif.gwr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <modeleng@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 8:58 PM
Subject: [modeleng] Traction Power


Hi All,
When I was up at the Harrogate show, one of the many trade stands had some 
very nice dial type scales for a £1.

I have always had the idea to put a set of scales as a coupling between a 
loco and the riding car, just to see what pull the loco was exerting so I 
purchased a set. Last of the big spenders, thats me.

Today having a run in the garden with one of my electric locos I gave it a 
whirl.

She could give 47 lbs pull before wheel slip occured.

Now the only reference I have got is from Greenlys book on loco design which 
states that 1lb traction can pull 25lbs load.

If I multiply 47 X 25 I get 1175 pounds. If I then divide by 160 lbs as the 
average persons weight this give a passenger load of seven including the 
driver.
The snag is that I know that this loco can easily pull 10 passengers plus 
the driver so  what is wrong?
Does anybody have any better info about traction to load ratio.

Has any body else got any traction figures for various locos as a matter of 
interest.

Regards

Clif
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