Pulling power of recent MTH single unit F3s

A single powered MTH F-unit could easily pull two complete 12-car Atlas CZ’s.

Well I have four of the new F units I have pulled eight car MTH pass consist with no problem. I remember the early MTH F units where not that strong,  we were told by a dealer that is why they added a second power slave unit on the early F sets.

Thanks for the feedback!

For 12 Atlas cars on a grade... you will need at least 2 powered engines, but I would run 3 if it were me. Remember it might pull it just fine with less power but you will eat traction tires like crazy, ESPECIALLY on a grade.

I would prefer to have 2 powered units, but MTH does not offer a powered B unit and I don’t want to run 2 As. 

greg773 posted:

I would prefer to have 2 powered units, but MTH does not offer a powered B unit and I don’t want to run 2 As. 

 

So, cheat.  Buy an equal number of powered B units of any road and non-powered WP units.  Swap body shells, truck sideframes, guts, whatever; assign the appropriate designation on your handheld; couple-up, stretch 'em, do a brake test, get a Clearance Form "A" and proceed in accordance with signal indication. 

With all deference due our mentor, Laidoffsick, let me suggest the following regarding the evil traction tires:  MTH offers two great alternatives.  Go with the "scale wheels" versions, if your layout can handle them, or swap out the Hi-Rail rubber tired wheel 'n' axle sets replacing them with solid wheel sets from 20-89008.  If you get wheelslip, add another unit - that's what the big boys do.  There's no downside!

Load up on smoke pellets, provide ample ventilation and start pulling for Altamont Pass.

The California Zephyr is dead.  Long live the California Zephyr!