Twelve ounces does make a difference!

Indy was pull tested today on the CD&StL’s property. Note: When Indy was initially tested and would only handle 2 J&S coaches that run was conducted on club track, indoors, and the track was bright and shinney - looked like new. Today’s testing was done on outdoor track that has been outside for years, seldom cleaned, and is dull (brown even) with a somewhat “rough” surface. The track received minimal cleaning before testing. The added “roughness” of the track may have added to Indy’s ability to get a bite and pull better.

Since the initial pulling was done with J&S coaches today’s test started with J&S coaches. All have metal wheels and on-board lighting. And yes I know that this type engine would not normally be used to pull passenger equipment!! However Indy was able to pull 6 J&S coaches, 2 of these modifed with the addition of 3 window sections to increase their length. At 5 coaches Indy could “walk the dog.” At 6 Indy would slip its drivers but was able to start the consist and once underway had no problems.

Next Indy was coupled to a consist of HLW 2-axle shorty cars. The consist was made up of 8 gons, 2 “V” tippers, 1 flat (with rock) and a 1:20 scale caboose with a John Allen type track cleaner. The gons and tippers where filled with granite ballast. Indy handled this consist with no problems. In one direction on the CD&StL there is a 1 1/2% grade. Indy could stop on the grade and start the consist with no wheel slip.

Indy will make a nice little engine for a minning or logging operations. She is smooth and has great electrical pickup, working over way less than clean track without so much as a headlight flicker.

I’d have to give Indy’s performance a 2 thumbs up. Great little engine.

The sound leaves a lot to be desired, as does all B’mann sound. The smoke unit doesn’t start to work till around 10 volts of track power. At 10 volts Indy is moving high, wide and handsome. That’s way too fast for an engine of this type and pulling a consist of mining or logging cars.

Adding weight made the difference. It is important to note that when adding weight, that weight be kept centered over the drivers and care taken not to introduce a front or rear weigth bias.

Jon - The Eastern One