chuck wrote:You can build a scale model where all you intend to do is look at it and get the three dimensions 100% accurate. It isn't meant to do anything except look nice. If you want the thing to work/actually function you have to start making compromises in either scale fidelity or performance/behavior. If nothing else, the models are usually made of completely different materials and assembled in different ways.
We have to accept this with our toy trains if for no other reason that few of us have the real estate to support prototypical curves/grades. Trucks centers are adjusted to allow trains to run on non prototypical curves. The toy trains have completely different centers of gravity because the method of driving the wheels is nothing like the prototype. Fricative forces are higher/different because of these compromises.
If your 70 tonner pulls 8-11 cars, great. If it can pull more, all the better for you. If it pulls less than six, c'est la vie. At least it looks good doing it.
Hear, hear!!
Let me second Chuck and add his name to those who contribute greatly to the value of this forum.
MTJ may not be the biggest forum I subscribe to, but it is, in a great many ways, the most valuable. I always get useful answers here, mixed with support and a sense of comradeship, kindness, and well-being. And that can't be said for some other places.
George