Superior & Seattle Railroad Build (Volume 2) Started 2/25/17

[S&S RR]

The new track work was tested first with a 3 locomotive diesel consist with a number of box cars a passenger car and a caboose.


This train was test run across the trestle at increasing speeds through the scale speed ranges without incident. At this point the train was run at "Judge Speed" also with out incident.  I learned about Judge speed from Tom Langford's build thread. It seems the Judge is a little heavy on the throttle. 


Here is the test train.

[S&S RR]

Here is the test train traveling the length of the trestles at "Judge Speed". 

[S&S RR]

The next step was to get the largest steam locomotive owned by the S&S RR - a locomotive acquired from the Union Pacific Number 3671 a 2-8-8-2.

[S&S RR]

This locomotive was tested back and forth through the two trestles with increasing speeds without incident.

[S&S RR]

The Engineer on the 2-8-8-2 was not going to be outdone by a diesel so the locomotive was tested at full speed ( speed step 126) both forward and backward. After 12 test runs the problem was declared solved.  This part of the railroad is ready for the Judge and/or my Grandkids to visit.

[S&S RR]

[S&S RR]

It should be noted that the 2-8-8-2 locomotive couldn't get across the small trestle at any speed before the changes. This was also true for any of the 2-8-2 locomotives in the S&S RR fleet.

[deemery]

That's an accomplishment of the first order!  I like the "zoom-zoom" photos, too.


dave

[PRR Modeler]

Great job, it definitely sounds like it's fixed.. Can you post a picture like the one showing the problem so we see how you fixed it?

[S&S RR]

That's an accomplishment of the first order!  I like the "zoom-zoom" photos, too.


dave

Dave


Thanks for stopping by - yes one more check mark. It is amazing how a small change in track work can make all the difference in the world.

[S&S RR]

Great job, it definitely sounds like it's fixed.. Can you post a picture like the one showing the problem so we see how you fixed it?

Curt


Take a look at the picture on the bottom of page 31.  The big difference is that there is a 10 inch straight between the two curves. I also went from a 28 inch radius minimum radius on the smaller trestle curve to a 32 inch minimum.  I added about a 1/2 inch of planking on the close end of the trestle.  It is all hid by the landform.

[S&S RR]

One more point on the track work changes.  I didn't take the S completely out of the track so I still have the winding train look that I was looking for in the first place.  I just added a straight section in-between the transition of the two radii.  And I also added 4 inches to the radius across the smaller trestle.

[GPdemayo]

Hi John.....great fix with your "S" curve. 

Just a small correction to your post above. In order to set the record straight and to keep the judge from an undeserved bad reputation.....the Judge, being the judge, does almost everything on the up and up, including running at or below the posted speeds on  the A&S.

I, however, am the resident scofflaw, when it comes to blowing by the posted speeds at "Greg Speed." I have tried to behave, but I am so used to going 150 to 200 mph in a small plane that running a loco that slowly gives me the shakes something fierce. It takes a Diet Pepsi and a couple of hours rest to settle down from the ordeal.

I do however behave when I visit other layouts. I wouldn't want to get a bad reputation in the hobby. 

[S&S RR]

Hi John.....great fix with your "S" curve. 

Just a small correction to your post above. In order to set the record straight and to keep the judge from an undeserved bad reputation.....the Judge, being the judge, does almost everything on the up and up, including running at or below the posted speeds on  the A&S.

I, however, am the resident scofflaw, when it comes to blowing by the posted speeds at "Greg Speed." I have tried to behave, but I am so used to going 150 to 200 mph in a small plane that running a loco that slowly gives me the shakes something fierce. It takes a Diet Pepsi and a couple of hours rest to settle down from the ordeal.

I do however behave when I visit other layouts. I wouldn't want to get a bad reputation in the hobby. 

Oh - I don't want to get in trouble with the Judge.  I was referring to a few comments that Tom made about his Engineering in a couple of the video's.  So, I will now refer to  full throttle operations as Greg's speed here on the forum.  Thanks for the correction Greg.

[S&S RR]

Here is a picture of the changes to the trestles with just the track gauges in place.  First gauge is a 10 inch straight, followed by 2 - 32 inch radius curves then a 34, 36 and 40 inch radius transition on to the straight track on the far right.