Sunset FTs arrive

My ABA set of Sunset FP7s (two powered units, the B unit is a dummy) handles a Sunset Daylight train (13 aluminum cars plus a brass PSC RPO) up a 2.5% grade on a 72" radius curve with no problem. The grade is long enough to get the whole train on the hill.

All Atlas CZ cars, no grades and 48" curves.

Wow! No kidding! So, I'm guessing 10 or less cars would be ok?

To pull an 11 Atlas car consist you should get an ABBA set, which is also correct for the prototype.

Really? A single mth F7A pulls 6 of these easily. I guess I'll have to change my reservation to an ABA and hope for the best. Also, my dad is not going to be happy lol. While I'm sure I'll be pleased with them, these are expensive compared to MTH. 

I pulled 47 freight cars with just an AB set of FTs at my 3 rail club Saturday.  I ran them for about an hour straight with a 2% grade on the south 40' end of the layout.  The A unit got a little hot at the rear, but after resting it for about 30 minutes, it went right back to work.  I suspect the ABBA could pull easily over 100 freight cars.  Granted my FTs are 3 rail since the PRR or the CNJ didn't have any, but regardless, these are solid pullers and run smooth as silk.

Yes,,,,,REALLY. Both the D&RGW and Western Pacific used FT models in A-B-B-A sets, especially since the "A" and the "B" were draw-bar connected together anyway.

Just installed my first body mounted ladder today.  Not a bad exercise. 3 screws for each truck side frame.  I was surprised that the truck mounted ladders were cast into the side frame, no biggie.  The body mounted ladders are nicely cast brass.

Howard

Any chance of some photos of the ladders mounted?

Ken

I know, I know ... it's 3 rail, but here is a video of the maiden voyage of 143 LA on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad in Scottsdale.  I apologize for the way my phone auto focuses.  Anyone have a Galaxy S4 and know how to fix this?  Enjoy.  It's long only because the train is moving nice and slow coming out of the 2% grade around the corner. 

No fair.  3RL FT's have traction tires..

Seriously, thanks for the video.   

Howard

Any chance of some photos of the ladders mounted?

 

Ken

Ken-  I only mounted one ladder.  When I finish an A unit, I'll be happy to post a picture.

On one of the FT threads in the 2 rail section or the 3RS section,  I think someone has already done the modification.  I tried to find it and couldn't.

Anyway I will post a picture soon. 

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Jonathan- Nice.  How many cars in the train?  I'm too ADD to count.

Beautiful mixed freight.  Most of the time I was only aware of one rail.

Howard

Any chance of some photos of the ladders mounted?

 Ken

This posted weird on my screen.  The picture is covering the writing.  Is anyone seeing the same thing?

nice picture even without the text

Thanks John.

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I'm going to try this one more time and leave the other post until the staff takes a look.

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Howard

Any chance of some photos of the ladders mounted?

 

Ken

I don't know if I could have shown the ladder on the freight units because the chassis and ladders are black, but it it is easily seen on the passenger unit.  The photo didn't come out as well as I wanted, but the body mounted ladders are installed.  The window in the back make it hard to light.  If you pop the picture out you can see it a little better.

BTW - That 3 rail track is not part of the layout.

Howard:

Thanks for that extra effort that it took to get that posted. Ladder looks great, does make a difference.

Thanks,

Ken