Completed the first engine and a grade with three weights on the second engine. This is the Atlas Kato NP RS-11 unit. This and subsequent engines will be tested using three weights rather than the four used on the first test. This will cut down the total number of points and hopefully speed things along.
the data from the first test has been recorded and some initial graphs have been constructed.
First blush conclusions are as follows:
1- the CAT; clean, adjust & tuned activity on this ScaleTrains “Operator” BNSF SD40-2 engine was appreciable at grades below 9%.
This engine was new When the baseline tests were run early in the month. During the CAT activity, very little lube was found. The parts were reassembled and the critical bearings were lightly lubed wit a low viscosity oil. Finally the wheels were cleaned properly.
2- the CAT activity was equal to the benefit of adding 5.5 oz. in weight.
3- adding a pound of weight allowed the engine to pull 50 cars on a 2.5% grade.
4- the Train length benefits appear to diminish at and above 9% grade.
These results will be flushed out more over the next few days. The summary will be published when the five engine series is finished. Thanks for looking.
