The last several days were spent testing the Atlas Kato RS-11 & the Rapido CN RS-18. Both of these were examined with 3 weights instead of the 4 used on the BNSF SD40-2. The total weight added is 11 oz for this data rather than the 16 oz before. Since the likelihood of adding 11 oz is remote, this is a good compromise. It allows the tests for a given engine to be completed much quicker.
For all three of the tested engines, the measured draw bar force has increased; the actual number of cars pulled has increased at all grades and the power supply current, input electrical power, for the CAT configurations has decreased.
It looks like the CAT activity is roughly equivalent to adding 5 ounces of engine weight. This is far more than I would have previously thought. Two of these engine were new for these test and the other has been well used. The Atlas Kato NP RS-11 is part of my collection. I bought it used. Beyond a quick it runs test, it had never had any other attention. Yet it appears to have similar impact as the two new engines.
Of the last two engines, The Atlas China SP&S RS-3 was purchased slightly used and the P2K NP Sw1200 was purchased well used. These last two are also part of my collection of engines. Like the RS-11, before this they had only had the it runs test. It will be interesting to see how they fare with the CAT & weight tests.
When these are finished, the data will be summarized and the results posted here & else where.
The next activity in these test can go in a couple of directions.
1) I have five steam engines in my collection. It would be interesting to see how they fair in these tests. Three of these currently do not run, so doing a CAT activity will be limited. I also have other questions.
2) There are a number of other diesel engines in my collection that could be tested. This would add to the overall data base. Need to think about wether to just do the CAT activity and only get the after CAT data.
3) I have a number of test bed engines. These were previously used in the motor variation test series. In addition I have a number of motors of various types and manufacturer. In the past, I have seen a significant variation in the drew bar force measurement for the different motors. This is likely due to the torque, speed at voltage characteristic for the various motors. A good test series would be to flesh that out more. I need a means to define the no load rpm-voltage curve for the actual motor. I will work on that.
4) I have also seen where the addition of a DCC module will increase the measured draw bar force. It would be interesting to see how real that is.
My thoughts today are to do 3 & 4 above first. Maybe include some work on 1 & 2 as opportunity has it. Who knows when we will not be on some sort of lock down. The opportunity seems to be now.
Thanks for reading, come back often.
