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SantaFeJim
Hobo
USA
16 Posts |
 Posted - 02/13/2013 : 00:59:43
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Well I finally have enough track laid that allows me to run the complete consist of the 1956 version of the Santa Fe El Capitan.
For non Santa Fe members the full consist is:
F3/F7 A-B-B-A
Baggage (storage mail)
Baggage
Baggage-Dormitory (transition car)
Hi-Level 68-Seat Step Down Chair Car
Hi-Level 72-Seat Chair Car
Hi-Level 72-Seat Chair Car
Hi-Level Diner
Hi-Level Lounge
Hi-Level 72-Seat Chair Car
Hi-Level 72-Seat Chair Car
Hi-Level 72-Seat Chair Car
Hi-Level 68-Seat Step Down Chair Car
The debugging started before I even ran the train. One of the coaches (aka 72-Seat Chair Car) did not light up. So I removed the trunks to check continuity from each wheel to the contact transfer screws. All checked fine. Not a good sign, because now I would have to open the car and check for disconnected or broken wires leading to the overhead light strip. Before attempting this I reviewed the on-line video fellow forum member, Calzephyr sent me on how to disassemble the El Cap cars.
Step 1, popping off the ends was easy. Step 2, removing the roof... not so much. However, once the roof was off I was able to see that the wires were connected to the light strip. So now I would have to remove the interior to check the connection to the lighting circuit board. Connections fine and continuity to the light strip checks out. Time to dig deeper and remove the circuit board. BINGO! The interior contacts were smashed down and therefore did not make contact with the circuit board. A small screw-driver was used to lift and flatten the contacts. Problem solved.
On to the next problem.
Having strung together the whole train it was now time to actually run it. Two weeks ago only track I had laid was 18 feet of straight connected to a 135 degree 31 inch radius curve all of which was dead-nuts level. All the cars performed as expected. I thought to myself maybe these El Cap cars are worth the $125 msrp.
Last week I extended the main line another 30 feet to include a gental "S" curve which led into a super-elevated 30" radius curve on a gentle 2% up grade. If the train could handle this, the most challenging part of my main line, the rest of the layout should be good to go. What better way to test your track be running your most fussy train.
Results: 1/4 of the way up the grade on the super-elevated curve the lead truck on the transition-dorm car jumps the track. Tried it again... same results. Since I am using all Peco code 83 flex track I figured maybe I have a small kink in the curve. Pulled out my trusty gauge and found no problem. Okay, perhaps one of the wheel sets on that truck is out of gauge. Again no problem. running the car by hand very slowly it kept jumping. Eyeballing the car I noticed that the assembly on the truck side frame was catching on the 2-step sterup that hangs down from the large baggage door. Solution... cut the bottom step from the sterup or deface the truck. Needless to say I snipped the sterup. To quote Walthers own description on these cars: As these cars are the correct prototype length and feature full underbody detail to match the prototypes, a minimum 24" radius is recommended for operation. That may be true, but the Transition Dorm car WILL NOT go through a 30" radius, super-elevated curve on a 2% grade. This is really strange since ALL the other El Cap's including the 3-axle trucks on the Diner handled it with ease.
Now for the Diner. The only problem I had with it was another Q/A issue. Symptom, the lead truck on this car would jump the track coming out of the easement onto a straight track. Problem, the top of the truck side frames had some rough burrs that would catch and hold on the under-side rib of the Diner. Solution, remove the trucks and file down the burrs.
That is it for now. If other things crop up I will post them on this thread.
Coming soon to a layout near you... The Santa Fe El Capitan. |
Edited by - SantaFeJim on 02/13/2013 01:04:11 |
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administrator
Forum Admin
98 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2013 : 07:51:41
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thanks for testing these cars. what about some pics ?
have fun
sandro |
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swchief3
Passenger
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 02/16/2013 : 06:52:43
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I've had some trouble with my El Cap cars derailing, as well. My derailments come from two things: 1.) the bolted-on sideframes working loose after some running, and allowing the wheels (InterMountain) to ride up over the rail and derail the car, and 2.) the metal contact bars for the lighting interfering with the trucks' ability to swing freely, thus derailing the car. I removed the contact bars and remounted them flat against the chassis, to minimize their interference with the trucks. Also, I try to remember to check the trucks for play while running.
I'm lucky to be able to run these things on my 22" curves. I have a 4x12 single-line layout, and it allows me to run Amtrak at scale 90mph. It's fun, even with the Hi-Level derailments, which are pretty rare. When they do derail, believe it or not, it's not because of speed.  |
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Debugging The El Capitan
