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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ucbvax!yee
From: yee@ucbvax.ARPA (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: net.railroad
Subject: Re: looking for info about regearing locos and performance adjustments
Message-ID: <2363@ucbvax.ARPA>
Date: Thu, 4-Oct-84 21:51:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.2363
Posted: Thu Oct  4 21:51:35 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 6-Oct-84 01:53:40 EDT
References: <397@genrad.UUCP>
Organization: University of California at Berkeley
Lines: 41

> I hope this is the right newsgroup for model railroading concerns.  I'm
> interested in anyone's experience about improving the performance of HO
> locos.  I am considering regearing the power drive for a higher ratio (around
> 30:1 or so) and before investing in gear kits i'd love to hear from others
> who have done this.  Also, are there other things that should be done to the
> loco to improve performance?  I know a little about lubeing them and adjusting
> any linkages or other moving parts so there is no bind.  Has anyone replaced
> the stock motors with better ones?  What do people think of flywheels?
> 
> 						Noah Morgan
> 						GenRad Inc.
> 						Bolton, MA

---------

On the subject of improving an HO loco's performance, I have several useful
experiences.

* The proper gear ratio of a loco depends on its top speed at 12 volts.
  Ideally, it should be about 55-75 scale mph for a freight loco, and 80-100
  for a passenger loco.

* Before deciding what to do about gear ratios, decide on what type of motor
  to use.  Changing a motor would be wise if the present motor cogs (locks
  up) at low speeds or is a general source of problems.  I've replaced 
  motors in Atlas locos with the "Tan Can" motor made by GSB rail.  Since
  the GSB motor is slower than the Atlas one, it seems unnecessary to regear
  the Atlases (I'm sure how I would if I wanted to.  Other motors to try
  are the new Athearn motors, and those made by North West Short Line.

* If your loco has a hard time pulling due to wheel slippage, try adding
  weight to the chassis wherever it will fit.  Lead shot is good for this.
  Often, weighting helps traction and derailment problems.

* Model Railroading covers loco tuneups IN DEPTH every issue.  I strongly
  suggest picking up a copy, as it is THE source ( I feel) on loco performance.

					Happy railroading,
					Tim Zahnley
            				Berkeley, CA
PS: I wish I had the space for a layout...