Re: Drawbar Pull

GFDMatt Wrote:
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> Nevermind. SOmeone said a good rule of thumb is 5
> pounds of drawbar pull for every ton of a car.
> Thanks for the info bcp

Assuming you are talking about rolling resistance and the drawbar pull needed to move a train:


On level track, 5# per ton might be a basic figure to start with, but will increase as speed does and is higher for light cars vs. loads or heavier cars. Poor bearings, cold weather, rough track, etc. also adds to resistance.

Also add 20# per ton per % of grade.

There still isn't a clear formula that I know of for the initial resistance to start a train rolling - add another 15-30# per ton.

And add resistance for curves.