Model Railroading > live passengers

There was a 1/8th scale conversation a few days ago about pulling power of our trains. The top two are of a train we had a few years ago. The steam loco and engineer are both no longer with us. However, his loco could really do the job. A more typical public run is the third photo. This was a private party so the train has just two riding cars. We normally run for cars. All have brakes and seat 4 adults if they are under 200 lbs (It is my job as Station Master to see how the "pay load" is distributed.) and up to 5 "normal" kids. Lowest age permitted is 2. Children under 6 require an adult with them. It could be a parent and three kids, 6 and under, if they are the same family.
Our insurance carrier requires waivers and also dictates the style of car we can use with the public. Out max speed is about 4 or 5 mph.

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That looks like a large-scale geared engine, maybe a Shay? OCME has not had to go to waivers yet. Knock on wood!

Nice looking bridge. Any details on it?

Thanks,

* JB *

Kimball Wrote:
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> That looks like a large-scale geared engine, maybe
> a Shay? OCME has not had to go to waivers yet.
> Knock on wood!


Yes it was a Shay. It could really take a load.

prr4828 Wrote:
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> Nice looking bridge. Any details on it?
>
> Thanks,
>
> * JB *


It was built by the club and designed and directed by the engineer of the trains. He passed away three years ago. I do not have the dimensions at hand. If you want I can find out more.

Pulling some real tonnage!

TJY

2.5" scale? What a heavy load ! Would love to see a better shot of the locomotive.

That is a heavy load . I estimate the people alone at about 3300 lbs plus the weight of the cars. So it has to be approaching 3800-3900 lbs.

Must not be any bad grades there.

tomstp Wrote:
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> That is a heavy load . I estimate the people
> alone at about 3300 lbs plus the weight of the
> cars. So it has to be approaching 3800-3900 lbs.
>
> Must not be any bad grades there.

Most of it is fairly flat but they have a flyover that has a stiff grade.

Here I am under the flyover, and crossing the bridge last summer.

Also was handing off my Cotton Belt RS3 to its new owner...

Its a great track that all live steamers should experience at least once.

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prr4828 Wrote:
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> Nice looking bridge. Any details on it?
>
> Thanks,
>
> * JB *


I agree like it and is much safer than the one pictured in TX due to clearance between car and bridge structure. The reason being is you have to think some passenger some time is going to stick there arm out into it causing injury.