Ok, we all talked now about wrong proportions aso. If you view your model on the layout from about 2-3 feet no one would notice a boiler 1 scalefoot to wide. But the odd performance of most of the brass engiens (exsp the older stuff)is clearly visible. High "slow" speed a top speed of about 60 mph (Amtrak would be happy) , no gliding.
Essential for good performance is a good drive system with high reduction gearbox, a corless motor and a flywheel (why did the makers of the Sunset Ks cut off the second motor shaft ???). I converted about 25 of my own and a lot of customer engines to that specifications and now they performe great. I higdetalied a Sunset C 16 to get a nice looking # 278 (before I got my Kodama) Now they have the same detail standard, but the Sunset is the better runner. Slow speed at 0,5 scale mph, max speed at 30 scale mph. And when I cut off power it will run for 25 inches till it stops smooth !!!
Same at acceleration, you have the feeling to run engine in a much larger scale.
What we need are models with correct or nearly correct dimensions (you can't get the wheels in a 100 % 1: 87 sclae size), good pulling power
(because of the blunt style NG freight trucks, why not needlepoint axles)and godd running characteristics at slow speed at a reasonable price. Or no yougster will buy a engien if a PC game is cheaper.
One of my favourite engines is my old WSM/Nakamura K 37 (no parts fell from it when I touch it) which I converted to corless drive, speed as mentioned above, pulling power 70 cars on a level track (needlepoint trucks) and 40 on a grade.
That is what I call a "Cumbres Feeling", watching this looong train from 2-3 feet apart crawling the curves flawless up to the pass.
Steffen
p.s. remotoring kits for about 30 differnet brass engines are available from my company (Stoner Creek Miniatures).
