ScaleTrains GP30 Arrival (End of January)

[C855B]

Sixty 1/8" cubes comes out to 1.044oz or 29.74g.

So 15 would be 0.26 oz. Thanks, that's helpful.

Bottom line is this particular challenge happens to be slightly better solved with lead that can be cut for a tight fit in the speaker cavity. "15" is the number of 1/8" cubes that will fit in that space, obviously with some slop.

Both are good solutions nonetheless. Per Gary's suggestion, I might experiment with the cubes, and lead strips filling the leftover space.

[Chris333]

Before someone says it. Cerrobend is 9.4g/cm3 

[sizemore]

So 15 would be 0.26 oz. Thanks, that's helpful.

Bottom line is this particular challenge happens to be slightly better solved with lead that can be cut for a tight fit in the speaker cavity. "15" is the number of 1/8" cubes that will fit in that space, obviously with some slop.

Both are good solutions nonetheless. Per Gary's suggestion, I might experiment with the cubes, and lead strips filling the leftover space.

Yeah I figure YMMV, just thought I would share the possible supply source. McMaster Car can get McMaster Pricey. Hopefully someone can use the cubes or just aware they're available. That vendor has Tungsten sheets also but you have to dig and when getting that thin, being an alloy comes into play.

Not sure exactly what those cubes are, but the way they are slightly rounds seems like an alloy. 

When I had tungsten weights made for my 44Tonner it wasn't pure tungsten, it was 90% so they could machine it easier. 90% is 17.12g/cm3, 7% nickel, and 3% iron.

I would *guess* the cubes are better than lead and they pack tight.

Yeah definitely an alloy, but I am under the premise its at least heavier than lead and easy to pack where I need it. So far I've been using them in Bachmann Bethlehem cars to bring them upto 1oz total car weight. Quite convenient to put two 1/4" cubes put the load back on and go. For the RDC I hope to line the driveshaft channel, and hump in the body with 1/8th cubes, clearances permitting.

The S. 

[garethashenden]

And if one feels uncomfortable with powders and castings. Birdshot with a little white glue goes a long way.

Lead and white glue react and expand overtime. While it may add weight, its not worth the future damage to the frame or shell that will result.

[basementcalling]

So, best Scale Trains N scale loco to date, or if not, which engine of theirs would you rate higher?

[C855B]

So, best Scale Trains N scale loco to date, or if not, which engine of theirs would you rate higher?

The GP30s are gorgeous, no doubt. But so are the SD40-2s. And the SD40T-2s. It would be tough to nail-down which is "best".

GP30s fall down a little bit performance-wise. In my testing, a non-sound GP30B without additional ballast can only manage 8-9 cars up a 2% grade, but add 0.3 oz in the speaker cavity (fuel tank) and it'll do 15. They are nice and quiet, and do the tie-to-tie creep thing quite well (ESU LokPilot 5).

[C855B]

One more thing - don't take off the shell unless you absolutely have to. It is held in place by the coupler boxes, which are not MTL 1015-compatible. They can be removed easily enough, but an unsteady hand putting them back on? Tiny parts everywhere. I was able to reassemble the coupler box, but obviously the factory has some sort of jig or special clamp to hold the bits together when fitting them on the frame, 'cause they exploded every time I tried.

I was converting to MTL TSC (1015-sized boxes) anyway, but as was mentioned previously, those require modification to fit the narrower box opening as well as mounting height correction.

[basementcalling]

One more thing - don't take off the shell unless you absolutely have to. It is held in place by the coupler boxes, which are not MTL 1015-compatible. They can be removed easily enough, but an unsteady hand putting them back on? Tiny parts everywhere. I was able to reassemble the coupler box, but obviously the factory has some sort of jig or special clamp to hold the bits together when fitting them on the frame, 'cause they exploded every time I tried.

I was converting to MTL TSC (1015-sized boxes) anyway, but as was mentioned previously, those require modification to fit the narrower box opening as well as mounting height correction.

I'd say that warrants a 2 point deduction by the East German judge. 

[Southern1970]

Mine finally arrived today woohoo.  I am a happy camper.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Plan to eventually add speakers and loksound decoders in time.

[lock4244]

One more thing - don't take off the shell unless you absolutely have to. It is held in place by the coupler boxes, which are not MTL 1015-compatible. They can be removed easily enough, but an unsteady hand putting them back on? Tiny parts everywhere. I was able to reassemble the coupler box, but obviously the factory has some sort of jig or special clamp to hold the bits together when fitting them on the frame, 'cause they exploded every time I tried.

I was converting to MTL TSC (1015-sized boxes) anyway, but as was mentioned previously, those require modification to fit the narrower box opening as well as mounting height correction.

That's not good... at some point I'll have to DCC my pair 

[peteski]

It's too bad that Scale Traiins keeps on using non-standard couplers (even though these look like MTL couplers).  Their entry loco into N scale (GTEL Big Blow turbine) was designed for drop-in MTL conversion, All you had to do is install the MTL coupler parts in their coupler box. Now? Not so much.

At least these couplers aren't their typical Boxing Glove Jr. McHenry lookalikes like they use in some other models.

[wmcbride]

It's too bad that Scale Traiins keeps on using non-standard couplers (even though these look like MTL couplers).  Their entry loco into N scale (GTEL Big Blow turbine) was designed for drop-in MTL conversion, All you had to do is install the MTL coupler parts in their coupler box. Now? Not so much.

At least these couplers aren't their typical Boxing Glove Jr. McHenry lookalikes like they use in some other models.

One would think they would stop this, especially after so many have talked, emailed, etc. to them about it.

It's analogous to the holes in the fuel tank to "let the sound out" -- but that is just my personal issue but it detracts from their sound vis-a-vis other manufacturers such as Atlas and Rapido.

[jwaldo]

One more thing - don't take off the shell unless you absolutely have to. It is held in place by the coupler boxes, which are not MTL 1015-compatible. They can be removed easily enough, but an unsteady hand putting them back on? Tiny parts everywhere. I was able to reassemble the coupler box, but obviously the factory has some sort of jig or special clamp to hold the bits together when fitting them on the frame, 'cause they exploded every time I tried.

I was converting to MTL TSC (1015-sized boxes) anyway, but as was mentioned previously, those require modification to fit the narrower box opening as well as mounting height correction.

Not having the ghastly oversized pilot opening is a big plus in my book. A scale-sized pilot opening might also explain why the 1015-sized couplers look even more ridiculous than usual on this loco. If only the ScaleTrains coupler boxes snapped shut like 1015s do...

[C855B]

Not having the ghastly oversized pilot opening is a big plus in my book. A scale-sized pilot opening might also explain why the 1015-sized couplers look even more ridiculous than usual on this loco. If only the ScaleTrains coupler boxes snapped shut like 1015s do...

You got the gist. The opening for the draft gear is closer to scale than we are accustomed. There is actually a little bit of detail on the coupler box itself you really don't notice until you have it apart.

Considering I have several to open for DCC and conversion to TSC, on my desk right now are pieces to measure to draw a 3D-printed coupler box for the TSC that's a drop-in. My main reservation there is I'm not confident I can execute the snap-together feature of the TSC box, but at least there is a >0% chance what I make can at least be assembled in place on the pilot. The slinky spring in the stock box is what makes it so difficult, lacking the ability to snap it all closed into a secure unit.

[peteski]

The slinky spring in the stock box is what makes it so difficult, lacking the ability to snap it all closed into a secure unit.

Can't you use soldering iron to weld it shut like MTL does for their assembled 1023 couplers?