Guidelines on Train Weight

Having got into logging, I cant believe how expensive the logging wagons with logs are for what you get.
 
Also, there is a problem with storage space, to aquire enough wagons to go with 3 logging locos would need far too much.
 
Hang on I thought, I have 8 Aristocraft Intermodal platforms, If I make logging cradles for them, it will save both space and expense. Small pack of laminate flooring couple of strips of flat aluminium from B & Q and job done.
 
Then got 8 off 21 inch logs with a diameter of 3".
 
Looks superb, but the weight! 920grammes for the wheelsets and 2200g for the logs gives in excess of 3 kilos per truck! plus the cradles which weigh next to nothing.
 
Got some weght out of the logs by cutting a deep channel about 1 1/2 inches along the length of the log and managed to get the weight of the "assembly" down to 2 kilos but how many of these will a Shay (for example) pull without risk to the gearboxes?
 
any guidelines anywhere?
 
 

Not sure about weight.... but I'd love to see piccies of these!!

Wouldn't you lose adhesion before a gearbox? But as I said " I know nothing... "

Hi,

for my logging train, i have used some small Bachmann Flats and a 2-axle Caboose. The rest are AMS disconnects.
The whole thing is loaded with self-cut log, but its always a bit difficult to balance the thing to prototype.

in 1.20,3 scale, taking an axle weigthload of 10 tons, you shouldnt go over 4,6 kg load and car per waggon (or per double-truck disconnect).
Thats quite much!

So, as prototypical, the shay can pull either a long train or just some heavy loaded cars. It has a TE of about 24-25 Thousand pounds, what will make about 200tons of load and train on a 4% grade.
If you load up your cars to the edge of an average axle-load, you will have just 5 waggons or double-trucks in your train!!!! (on a 4% grade).

I have no clue how much my cars weight, but i drive this train with my shay on 3 and 4 %, and i tested on 5%, what works, too.
I think, its long enough.
Because of the compact "all wheel drive" of the shay i dont mind about damage of gears. If they break, they will if you pull a bit more or a bit less weigth.

Take a look: (posted it some times before)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghMJxHQZys8


Frank

What a brilliant video!
 
When I first made the cradles for the Intrermodal bases, I did run the 3 truck shay with 8 cars carrying 3 lengths of fifteen and a half inch hardwood broomhandle on each. The current draw shown on the Navigator was about the same as the loco on its own.
 
I also run standard gauge European and out of interest weighed one of the large LGB DB coaches, was amazed that it came out at 3.2 kilos!!
 
Have run 5 of these behind a Piko Taurus.....No sweat!!
 
That begs another question though, assuming one runs a logging combine at a constant slow speed, would adding cars to the consist until the current draw increased have any significance in establishing the breaking point? 
 
Will try and get some pics of the story so far tomorrow

Why not buy balsa wood 1/2" square .  Glue together and shape. Weight quite low then.

Couldn't find any big enough bits of balsa but I did find some lightweight logs albeit a bit overscale.  Just have to imagine they are redwood trees on their way to make a cradle for an ex PM's wallet!!
 
They will either look awesome or awful depending on how you feel!
 
Weather and time permitting today, I will make up a six car consist and see what that looks like with a Shay.

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