Wessie bits, JLTRT-related advice please...

[Steph Dale]

Guys,

I've just cracked the seal on my JLTRT Wessie and have a couple of (typically) odd questions;

1. I'm currently looking at using Slater's wheels. Not being massively familiar with the prototype or the Slater's product I'm not sure how good a representation they are, thoughts please!

2. I've got a couple of sketches lurking in my log book which relate to working secondary suspension. I'll need to work out the spring performance in relation to the weight of the loco. Could some kind soul please weigh their completed JLTRT Wessie and give me an idea of it's weight and haulage abilities together with info on whether one or both bogies are driven? I guess the locos probably weigh similar amounts when they're assembled so any of the JLTRT 6-axle locos would be of interest.

Many thanks,

Steph

 

[Steph Dale]

Jordan,

Certainly the weight (or rather, lack of it) of the kit in its box is not great, which is why I wanted an idea of how much an operational model might weigh and what it could haul. I can then set a target weight for the model and work out the suspension from there. I've still got then opportunity to tune the suspension if differences emerge, but getting it in the right ball park from the outset might help a great deal in the long run.

Steph

 

[Phill Dyson]

Sorry, no JLTRT stuff on my line

 

[Dikitriki]

Hi Steph

Jordan's right, 10001 was very light as built. I had to add weight so that it would haul the 8 coach express round Heyside, which is not a hilly layout. I can weigh it tomorrow if you like, which will give you a fighting weight, but not an as-built weight. I don't put excessive weight in - just enough so that the loco can do its job.

Cheers

Richard

 

[Steph Dale]

...I can weigh it tomorrow if you like, which will give you a fighting weight, but not an as-built weight. I don't put excessive weight in - just enough so that the loco can do its job.

Richard,

that sounds like the sort of info I need - thank you very much!

Steph

 

[Dikitriki]

Steph

3lb 4oz in old money.

I must admit that was a wee bit heavier than I first thought, but a lightweight compared to anything DJH do!

Richard

 

[Steph Dale]

Thanks Richard, just what I needed to know. I'll be aiming for an all-up weight around 1.5 - 2kg then...

Can you confirm that your model drives on only one bogie or has it got two now? If it's only got one drive bogie, have you weighed the model evenly or has it greater ballast over the driven end? What's the haulage like?

Cheers,

Steph

 

[SimonT]

Steph,
mine weighs in at 1.8kg and has two powered bogies. Motors are Mashima 1833 and gearboxes are Branchlines 40:1. I originally fitted flywheels but removed them as they restricted the bogie swing. It pulls whatever I attach to it up the 1 in 80. I used Slaters wheels reprofiled to S7.

Hope this helps

Simon

 

[Steph Dale]

Simon,

Very helpful, thank you. I'm surprised at the use of 40:1 gears as they'd seem a bit slow for a loco with Mashima 1833 and only 3'7" drivers. However the weights and haulage are interesting, I'll be using the Mashima 1830 and my own gearboxes in each bogie.

Calculations done, the secondary suspension hits the detailed design stage. Target weight is 1.5kg currently and I'm allowing 1.5mm travel under load. More to follow when I've got the necessary parts in my hands...

Steph

 

[Dikitriki]

Thanks Richard, just what I needed to know. I'll be aiming for an all-up weight around 1.5 - 2kg then...

Can you confirm that your model drives on only one bogie or has it got two now? If it's only got one drive bogie, have you weighed the model evenly or has it greater ballast over the driven end? What's the haulage like?

Cheers,

Steph

Hi Steph

Both bogies are driven - big DJH motor with Delrin drive so 2 axles powered per bogie. Loco is balanced about the centre. Haulage 10 coaches or so depending on layout/stock etc.

Richard

 

[Phill Dyson]

Simon,

Very helpful, thank you. I'm surprised at the use of 40:1 gears as they'd seem a bit slow for a loco with Mashima 1833 and only 3'7" drivers.

I always go for 13/1 ratio with this kind of set up for good all round prototypical performance (nice slow running & reasonable top speed)

I only use twin motor bogies on type 4 & above diesels, but like Richards mine are balanced out with extra weight.

A little off topic...but for the future though I am looking at more efficient single motor bogies with a view to extending battery life with the use of non track powered radio control bigger locos such as Westerns & Warships. I drove a PRMRP Class 66 which was powered by a single ABC/Maxon motor bogie which pulled a very long train of MK1's (can't remember which, but about 12 or 14 coaches) with ease, this has made me question the two motor bogie ethos.

Phill