Seeing as the Bachmann 2-10-0 Russian Decapod is rather light and can be quite slippery has anybody found a way to add some extra weight to the boiler to improve the traction and pulling power of this engine?
I understand the Russians were on the small size for their wheel arrangment but I'd still like to increase the tractive effort closer to the prototype.
The best place for extra weight is centered over the drivers. On some steam locos, you can hollow out the shell sides to make space for a thin weight. Sometimes there is a slight space between the top of the loco metal casting and the shell.
If the space is tight, try using a stick on weight, remove the foam, then hammer the weight out to a very thin sheet. Auto wheel weights can also be hammered then cut to special shapes.
As a last resort, there is usually room in the cab, but too much weight here tends to lessen the traction of the front drivers.
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