Locomotives

[Larry012]

Hi,
My grandson has a RailChief train set and the locomotive has difficulty climbing the incline on an over-under figure 8 track configuration. Can someone recommend a more powerful engine?
Thanks,
Larry

[jward]

The problem here is not that the locomotive isn't powerful enough, it's that the grade on the pier set is too steep. Maximum recommended grade is 3-4%. The pier set is almost 6%. It really doesn't matter much what locomotive you use, it isn't going to pull well on a 6% grade. You could try to make the grade less steep using the foam risers from Woodland Scenics. They come in gradients of 2%, 3% and 4%. alternately, you could get another Bachmann pier set, double the length of the upgrade section by using both pier sets, and shim every other pier with cardboard strips to get a smooth grade of under 3%.


I have quite a few of the GP40 locomotives as used in the Rail CHief, and on a reasonable grade they pull well.

[Terry Toenges]

I agree about the second set of piers but I don't know if there is enough track to be able to do that with a basic figure 8.. He might have to add more track to make the figure 8 larger.

[James in FL]

Get a second loco and double head.