I've been told the ps3 Aero train is unable to handle more than 4 or 5 cars on a straight stretch of track and performs much worse on curves and inclines. If you have or had any version of this engine has that been your experience, too? What, if anything, have you tried to make it a more robust puller and was what you did successful?
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Add Weight
I added about 20 ounces of weight, distributed all across the locomotive. Made a huge improvement in the pulling power. For whatever reason, my PS/3 version was far worse than the PS/2 version, so I added the weight to that one. I'm planning on doing a similar upgrade to the PS/2 version.
gunrunnerjohn posted:I added about 20 ounces of weight, distributed all across the locomotive. Made a huge improvement in the pulling power. For whatever reason, my PS/3 version was far worse than the PS/2 version, so I added the weight to that one. I'm planning on doing a similar upgrade to the PS/2 version.
I'm a novice and not in your league with your knowledge of trains, engineering, and electronics, GRJ, but 20 ounces seems like a lot of added weighy. While it's necessary to improve pulling power, does that weight add significant stress to the Aerotrain's motors?
I don't know about significant stress, lots of diesel locomotives with the same size and style motors weigh a lot more than the Aerotrain engine, even with my added weights. I'm not really worried about the added weight wearing them out, it's not really usable without it. Besides, if I can't use the engine without the added weight, who cars if they stress it a little more, the price of admission, right? 
Good to know the Aero trains motor is also used in engines heavier than the Aero train so it's obviously robust enough to carry that additional weight you added without stressing and overheating it.
Will be interesting to see what steps, if any, MTH takes in their upcoming new ps3 version Aero train release to address its anemic pulling power. Maybe a heavier weight shell, a weighted yoke, or possibly a redesigned rear truck mechanism / assembly?
I'll certainly stay tuned to see what the future has is store for it.
ogaugeguy posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:I added about 20 ounces of weight, distributed all across the locomotive. Made a huge improvement in the pulling power. For whatever reason, my PS/3 version was far worse than the PS/2 version, so I added the weight to that one. I'm planning on doing a similar upgrade to the PS/2 version.
I'm a novice and not in your league with your knowledge of trains, engineering, and electronics, GRJ, but 20 ounces seems like a lot of added weighy. While it's necessary to improve pulling power, does that weight add significant stress to the Aerotrain's motors?
Fred Rominski from the Raritain Valley Hi Railers added 3 lbs of weight... significantly more than 20 oz and it pulls all the cars just fine.
Other diesels that don't weigh any more than the Aerotrain locomotive have much better pulling power. What I see with the stock Aerotrain engines is the rear truck hops up and down and loses traction. Since it's also the truck with the tach sensor, once it loses traction, the front motor doesn't get as much power and that's the ball game. I'm 98% positive that the rear truck design is the whole problem with the Aerotrain pulling power. In an interesting twist, the PS/2 model appears to have better traction, even though the truck design looks the same.
prrhorseshoecurve posted:Fred Rominski from the Raritain Valley Hi Railers added 3 lbs of weight... significantly more than 20 oz and it pulls all the cars just fine.
My locomotive with the added weight pulls my ten cars without a problem as well. I didn't feel the need to add any more weight.
Btw,GRJ, while there doesn't appear to be an Aero train parts diagram and list available for the general public, would I be correct assuming there IS one available for you and other MTH certified techs?
Actually, the parts diagrams are in short supply. However, somewhere in my travels, I did manage to find a parts list for the early PS/2 version from 2001.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Actually, the parts diagrams are in short supply. However, somewhere in my travels, I did manage to find a parts list for the early PS/2 version from 2001.
Great, GRJ Good to have for future reference. Thank you for sharing it. 
Gunnerunnerjohn, what material do you use as weight in the Aero loco?Al
allan.bisback@gmail.com
230 grain 45ACP lead bullets, I have a bunch of them that I'll never use for their intended purpose. Here's how I used them for weight in my Amtrak HHP-8, the Aerotrain got similar treatment, but I didn't take any pictures. If there's space, I can hot glue a second layer as well if needed.
John, did you put most of the weight as close to the rear truck as possible or is it evenly distributed? I haven't opened mine up yet to see what the available space looks like.
Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
The first bullet train
GGG posted:The first bullet train
You know, I never thought of that, I think I'll rename it.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
There's not a lot of flat space, I ended up using globs of hot glue and my favorite 230gr .45ACP weights.
The weights are black and thin. Some flat area under the rear motor on the underneath of the chassis. It will be a labor of love. I oiled up 6 cars and pulled them with a doubleheader lash up for about 3 hours. They roll well, but heavy for their size. Remind me of my CTA subway set. I”ll do the weights there also I think. All in all, cool set for the money. Nice break from Premier & Legacy$$$$.
There's a lot more rolling resistance to the Aerotrain cars than most passenger cars, and I sure don't know why for sure.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
Bryant, are these the weights you bought (Amazon)
gunrunnerjohn posted:There's not a lot of flat space, I ended up using globs of hot glue and my favorite 230gr .45ACP weights.
John, I purchased these weights for the train. 
I haven't removed the engine's shell yet so no idea how much space there is available on the frame to add them. If there isn't sufficient space on the frame for them, can the weights be attached to the interior walls and roof of the engine shell or does the weight need to be low down close to the wheels?
Yikes, those are EXPENSIVE! 50 cents an ounce is highway robbery!
The weight can be pretty much anywhere, but lower is better. I put what I can on the chassis, and then just put whatever will fit in the shell.
In the rear are three large weights, about 10 ounces. Then I added all the bullets you see for about 12 ounces more weight, mostly up front. This really made a big difference in the pulling power. I put all I could on the chassis, then stuck some in the shell to add more weight. I could probably sprinkle a few more in there, but this seems to have done enough.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Yikes, those are EXPENSIVE! 50 cents an ounce is highway robbery!
The weight can be pretty much anywhere, but lower is better. I put what I can on the chassis, and then just put whatever will fit in the shell.
It only hurts once
ogaugeguy posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
Bryant, are these the weights you bought (Amazon)
Same ones. I have to travel west for business. I won’t get to it until next Friday. I looked at the engine and took it apart. Tons of real estate. Internally and externally. The black matches the chassis. Now, don’t get cute and place weights on the inner wall locking the chassis in. Body Weights inside should be above the chassis line.
Run chassis only adding and distributing weights temporarily until locked in. If someone does it prior to me, I would be grateful for the experienced insight. If I do it 1st, I will post.
Distribute the weight evenly front and back. I put all the weight in the back at first, and that wasn't effective. When I also added weight at the front, traction really improved a bunch. With those flat weights, you can probably stick a lot of them on the sides of the shell.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:ogaugeguy posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
Bryant, are these the weights you bought (Amazon)
Same ones. I have to travel west for business. I won’t get to it until next Friday. I looked at the engine and took it apart. Tons of real estate. Internally and externally. The black matches the chassis. Now, don’t get cute and place weights on the inner wall locking the chassis in. Body Weights inside should be above the chassis line.
Run chassis only adding and distributing weights temporarily until locked in. If someone does it prior to me, I would be grateful for the experienced insight. If I do it 1st, I will post.
Installed weights. The front chassis has 2 stacked weights. The others (mounted toward the top flat side surfaces) show up well in the photo. Not top heavy in the least. Chassis mounts about 1” above the bottom edge of the shell. The over hanging shell will put the weights pretty low in the assembled engine. 18 total ozs. Pulls 6 cars like butter. One cool benefit, the extra weight makes it feel more like Premier or Legacy weight.👍
For Reg money, with added passengers, this is a great engine that really as a cool look.
Bryant, thanks for update with photos. Check Feb. 4th message posted for you on the related thread "How are fhe wheel skirts included with Aerotrain sets... "
Amazing how a little weight will make a big difference.
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:ogaugeguy posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
Bryant, are these the weights you bought (Amazon)
Same ones. I have to travel west for business. I won’t get to it until next Friday. I looked at the engine and took it apart. Tons of real estate. Internally and externally. The black matches the chassis. Now, don’t get cute and place weights on the inner wall locking the chassis in. Body Weights inside should be above the chassis line.
Run chassis only adding and distributing weights temporarily until locked in. If someone does it prior to me, I would be grateful for the experienced insight. If I do it 1st, I will post.
Installed weights. The front chassis has 2 stacked weights. The others (mounted toward the top flat side surfaces) show up well in the photo. Not top heavy in the least. Chassis mounts about 1” above the bottom edge of the shell. The over hanging shell will put the weights pretty low in the assembled engine. 18 total ozs. Pulls 6 cars like butter. One cool benefit, the extra weight makes it feel more like Premier or Legacy weight.👍
For Reg money, with added passengers, this is a great engine that really as a cool look.
Bryant, you said you added 18 ounces and I can see the two double stacked on the frame between the headlamp and motor. It's difficult seeing all of the weights attached to the shell. In screenshots I put yellow arrow pointing to the weights I can see and they add up to 15.
Adding the 2 on the fame to the 15 I pointed to on the shell that totals
17. So where did I miss the 16th weight on the shell?
ogaugeguy posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:ogaugeguy posted:Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I started with the weight just over the rear truck, around 9 oz. That didn't do squat, so I spread it around, most of the additional weight went up front with a few ounces in the middle. That seemed to tame the beast and it pulls much better now.
Just purchased self adhesive 1 oz black wheel weights. Hopefully there will be clear flat to stick them down. Package has 24
Bryant, are these the weights you bought (Amazon)
Same ones. I have to travel west for business. I won’t get to it until next Friday. I looked at the engine and took it apart. Tons of real estate. Internally and externally. The black matches the chassis. Now, don’t get cute and place weights on the inner wall locking the chassis in. Body Weights inside should be above the chassis line.
Run chassis only adding and distributing weights temporarily until locked in. If someone does it prior to me, I would be grateful for the experienced insight. If I do it 1st, I will post.
For Reg money, with added passengers, this is a great engine that really as a cool look.
Bryant, you said you added 18 ounces and I can see the two double stacked on the frame between the headlamp and motor. It's difficult seeing all of the weights attached to the shell. In screenshots I put yellow arrow pointing to the weights I can see and they add up to 15.
Adding the 2 on the fame to the 15 I pointed to on the shell that totals
17. So where did I miss the 16th weight on the shell?
At the bottom of the top picture. Rear door has 2 stacked. Now, where’s Waldo. Have fun. Your going to love the results of your labor and effort.
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