Is there a cheap bump and go unit out there I can use to test No Ox track cleaner for traction tire damage?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
How about just simply spray some on a tire & see what it does to the tire? ….I have my suspicions, but that’d be the cheapest test of all, …..no?
Pat
Pat,
Thanks for your reply. I'd like to run the bump and go up and back down a 2% grade for hours at a time to get a more realistic result.
I tried No Ox on my Atlas loops with no grade. Wish I didn’t. Unscientific but I’m guessing my train length without slipping dropped 25%. My track might have less black oxide, but I’d trade it for 25% longer trains.
Seems to me that removing oxidation from the rails will increase the smoothness of the contact surface between the rail and the wheels, reducing the traction that can be developed before slipping occurs. If the rail is oxidized or there is dirt on top of the rail, the surface would be rougher and traction would increase. The adverse effect of dirt on the rails is the loss of electrical ground. The resulting decrease in current reduces motor power and tractive effort. Just conjecture...
MELGAR
I have applied No OX about 3 years ago. I have not seen any slippage or wearing of traction tires. I have 2 very slight grades and one legacy engine with a non-powered dummy with 12 intermodals and another lionmaster with a non-powered dummy pulling 14 cylindrical hoppers. There is no gunk on the wheels. The only negative aspect for me is the black stuff on the rails that gets on your hands if you lean on the track.
Marty
