Last week I bought a Bachmann Spectrum N 4-8-2 Light Mountain Loco Item #81660. I noticed that this train is not as fast as my other Bachmann ( 4-4-0 Wildwest era B&O R.R ). I run both trains on the same track "NOT AT THE SAME TIME" and same controller. The tack and controller ( not DCC ) I bought as a set few months ago. Does this engine just run this slow or am I under powered or is there something wrong with the train. FYI this is a great looking train.
Thanks,
Curtis
Just how slow is your locomotive (not train)? The 4-8-2 design was for passenger, though many railroads ran them as freight locos as well. It was fast and powerful.
Gene
The 4-8-2 is about 1/2 the speed of the smaller 4-4-0.
The speed of a model locomotive is contolled by various things. Here is a simple "check" list for you locomotives:
Amount of voltage - No, since both locomotive are getting the same amount of voltage.
Type of motor - Maybe, the motor on the 4-4-0 might have a higher rpm than the 4-8-2's motor.
Gear Ratio - Maybe, if the gears on one locomotive has a different ratio then the other locomotive, then one of them will run faster than the other.
If the 4-4-0 is the old time loco with tender drive, it most probably will run faster than the 4-8-2. The 4-4-0 has a worm gear driven by the motor and connects to a gear on the driver. This type of loco usually runs quite fast for a model locomotive.
I have some 4-4-0s with tender drive and they want to run fast. Fortunately I installed DCC decoders and now I have much better control.
The 4-8-2 has a small pulley on the motor which has a belt that connects to a larger pulley. Some gear reduction.
The shaft the large pulley is on has a worm on it that connects to a worm gear on the driver axle. More gear reduction.
Overall, the 4-8-2 has more gear reduction than the 4-4-0.
Since both operate on DC by itself, I would say that is what is happening as there is no DCC involved.
Others may want to comment.
Rich
We have a little 4-4-0 we call "Wild Thing". We haven't been able to check the speed, as it flies off the curves at more than half throttle. 8)
I was able to improve my Bachmann by replacing the motor with a can motor used in the Mantua General. Also installed a Lenz LE077XF decoder and much better performance. Used Harold's idea for improving the Bachmann old time 4-4-0.
I picked up on sale some Lenz Silver Mini Silent-Back EMF decoders I am going to try in the three 4-4-0s I have. The decoders are good for 0.5 amp continuous.
Rich
I would like to thank you all for your information and help. This is a new adventure for me so I will probably need your help again and I promiss I will never call a locomotive a train again.
Thanks
Curtis