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Discussion Boards => Williams by Bachmann => Topic started by: Seaboard Air Line Fan on November 17, 2013, 07:04:17 AM

Title: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: Seaboard Air Line Fan on November 17, 2013, 07:04:17 AM
Need it to verify clearance for bridge.
Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: phillyreading on November 17, 2013, 10:26:27 AM
Most Williams engines in the GP-30 to GP-40 series need about 5 inches to clear any tunnel. Depending on what type of rolling stock, passenger(vista dome) or freight, that you run will also determine your height clearances.

Lee F.
Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: 671 on November 17, 2013, 11:27:04 AM
Hi Seaboard,

                 I have the 2013 catalogue. Page 15 describes the size of the GP 30 as:

       Length 14"
       Height    4"

                 I just measured my WbyB New York Central GP30...Here are the actual measurements:

       Length  14 1/2"coupler to coupler outside of knuckle
       Height     3 7/8"   Rail top to highest point on Loco ( Fans & Exhaust )

    P.S.  I am considering a shutoff switch for the  Prime Mover sound.

            The Loco's sound does not Rev-up at voltage settings < 10 volts. The Loco travels plenty fast at 9 volts with only an 'Idle RPM sound'. I am considering a "Series Wiring" of the two motors. This will increase the track voltage setting, which should activate the Prime Mover into a Rev-Up mode.
            I will post my 'Test' results on this modification when completed.

                                                            671
Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: Seaboard Air Line Fan on November 17, 2013, 07:16:11 PM
Thanks guys, just what I needed!
Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: 671 on November 24, 2013, 03:12:55 PM
Hi Seaboard,

                  671 here. I just completed 'Series' wiring of my new WbyB GP 30.

                  Here are my observations & Results...

           1.    This can/will void your warranty.

           2.    On the positive side of this alteration, smoother operation, sensitivity to throttle movement is dampened. Prime Mover Rev up and Rev down is more protypical in relationship to speed and throttle setting. Lighting in passenger cars and caboose is brighter. I am running at a 10 volt to 11 volt power setting. This gives me a very constant scale speed. I dislike the 'Race track' speed.

           3.    I found this alteration to be  positive. I will keep my GP 30 in a series wired mode, even with the threat of voiding it's warranty due to my actions. 

                                                                           NYC GP 30.....671

Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: stationmaster12 on December 30, 2013, 07:49:34 AM
I'm interested in the series wiring for WBB locos. Is the a diagram out there or even better a video on the procedure? Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Height Above Railhead of New GP30?
Post by: Joe Satnik on December 30, 2013, 01:54:51 PM
Here is a written procedure:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,23865.0.html

The Series wiring mod is for dual motored locos only.

Williams or WBB locos with only one motor (steam locos, e.g.) would need diode or diode bridge mods to slow them down. 

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik