How good a puller is the above mentioned loco.
Will it handle multiple log cars on a 4% logging grade with 18 degree curves?
Or possibly a better question what steam loco will work best?
I have duplicated a White River Lumber Company operation near Enumclaw wa.
This is before the big W bought out the Smith and Olson families.
I have a 3 truck dc Spectrum Shay and it does lack traction.
a 4 percent logging grade? i'd say 3 cars and a caboose. The 2.5% grade at the club i go to, my 4-4-0 can pull 6 and a caboose.
odd-
The Bachmann 4-4-0s are surprisingly good pullers. However, I wouldn't expect one to walk up a four percent grade with a dozen log bogies. That's really steep. Throw in the curves (do you mean 18o or 18"?) and you are asking an awful lot from your motive power. Geared locomotives like your Shay would be expected to handle such a challenge but the Bachmann Shay has been a disappointment in the pulling department. However, it's certainly terrific to look at. You might try a brass geared loco or even one of the Shays from Roundhouse (plastic and die cast) or Keystone (plastic). You can also look around for a Climax or Heisler, or a small drivered side rod loco like a Connie or a Mike. Good luck.
-- D
Many have commented that Bull Frog Snot does very good on the drivers of locos to increase the pulling of a loco. Give it a try.
Rich