[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I have seen a billy slip like it was riding on snot. (sorry, couldn't
> resist)
My Billy was always capable of pulling far more than a prototypical consist. Due
to the weight distribution, the pulling capability was far greater running the
engine in reverse at the front of the train i.e. dragging the cars. At the
National Spring Steamup it pulled 24 - 4-axle cars with minimal wheel slip!
(Kevin, ignore that last sentence, I wouldn't want you to think I abused it before
I sold it to you :-) ) Obviously that was more of a stunt than serious operation
but it shows that a 6 pound locomotive is quite capable of doing some real work.
On the subject of wheel slip; I have seen many locomotives at various steamups
with the wheels slipping excessively and the operator doing nothing to prevent it.
This leads to the polishing of drivers and a greater propensity for wheel slippage
on the next run. Moral of the story? If the drivers are slipping, reduce the
throttle setting immediately, wipe down the track, reduce the load, or add some
weight over the drivers. Just don't let 'em slip.
Michael Martin
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
