K1 Garratt Project (12) - Running test ....

Today I've been tinkering with the setup of weights on the loco for traction.

Initially I removed the pick ups from the front motor-less motion to allow the wheels to move 'free and easy', thus obviating the need for any weights in the front tank.

To get enough traction for the rear driving motion, I needed to add some extra weight, this was done by positioning it in the cab roof...

Then it was play time, the loco pulls 4 coaches or 8 or 9 wagons; the Radius1 curves on my layout slow the rolling stock down as there isn't much play in the Accucraft wagons' wheels (really should run these on Radius 2+ curves).  Anyway what the loco can pull is my typical train anyway, so success.

Run test with goods train .... (youTube)

I am going to look into the option of powering the front motion again, although I may need a new controller with more oomph to drive the two motors.

Also bought some loco crew (from Modelu).. primed but not painted yet...

K1 Garratt Project (11) - Rivets & Weight holders

I wanted some river detail on the edge of the tanks; found some strips of rivets from Zinge Industries ( https://www.zinge.co.uk/collections/flexible-resin ); tricky to get off the backing - had to stick the strips on user super glue.. 

Made up some weight holder compartments in the tanks....

I had a quick run test with the front motion motor removed, playing around with weights. It does run OK, but the rear motion slips a bit with 5 coaches. I will have to experiment some more to get the weight balance right with enough at the front for the non-powered motion to move and the rear powered one to get enough purchase on the track.