Reviews and Test Results.
The following comments relate to the performance of ModelTorque Automatic Torque-Control Couplings.
The New Zealand Association of Model Railway Clubs Inc magazine "The Coupler" recently ran a product review titled ModelTorque ATC Transmission System by Gordon Fletcher.
Another test result we have came supplied to us in a PDF format. Please read here for Kert P. from Seattle, USA's Test Results. It is a serious endeavour to make comparisons with other locomotive motors and makes fascinating reading.
We welcome your own comments, tests or reviews. We have created a ATC reviewers guide to assist with creating correct parameters, or simply tell everyone about the increased pleasure you now get from your layout.
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Modeller's comments.
From time to time ModelTorque clients write to us with the results of their locomotive conversion from conventional motoring to a ModelTorque ATC. Here we have reproduced some of these comments for potential new clients to consider prior to purchasing your first Automatic Torque-control Coupling (ATC).
Dear ModelTorque,
I have installed a type 3 model-torque outfit into an Athearn 6-axle chassis with no trouble. It is a straight-forward task and a remarkably good fit on the Athearn chassis.
I did find that one Athearn bogie needed adjusting because of high resistance – highlighted by one output shaft spinning and the other barely turning over. It was quickly seen and easily fixed.
I have tested the loco’s operation over my test track – tight radius, reverse curves, and steep climb – running light, and with my heaviest rolling stock.
The overall speed range remains satisfactory but with an enhanced ability to move steadily at low speed. Current draw is below .450ma. The motor is quiet.
The most notable thing about performance is the fluid and realistic manner in which the loco starts and stops. It drives slowly through complex trackwork with no sign of stuttering and jerking. I am particularly impressed by being able to stop a train against a track bumper with the motor in the loco still turning gently.
The absence of a mechanical connection between wheels and motor has a larger influence on smooth running than I anticipated. The loco gives the impression of having real inertia.
I use a feedback controller, and had some concern that I would lose some control over train speed. Certainly, the loco reacts to changes in gradient and curvature, but this is countered quite intuitively by adjusting the speed control.
I am about to modify a 4-axle loco. Also, I am pondering how to extend the benefits of ModelTorque Couplings over a wider range of locos in my possession. It is shaping up to become my benchmark for realistic loco performance.
ModelTorque Couplings can’t have been an easy and quick development. Congratulations on having produced such a competent, high quality, and affordable product.
Regards, Trevor B. Victoria, Australia.
The cars were all 55 foot ACF hoppers each weighing 5oz. I ran each loco around my layout and kept adding cars until the loco would stall on the grade. The layout is about 2.5 scale miles in length and has 30" min radius curves and 2%maximum grades. The grade the loco stalled on was a long 2% pull up and around a 36" right angle curve, so that the complete train was on the grade with the full weight of the train dragging on the loco.Hi ModelTorque,
I have run a set of tests with the locos I have powered with MT ATC units.
Bear in mind that as these tests have been carried out with different locos, the results will not be totally consistent. Probably the only way to get that would be to use the same chassis and weight it up accordingly as each different motor unit was installed. This I was able to do with the 28oz loco.
The results are as follows:
# 2 unit Loco weight 14 oz pulled 12 cars
# 4 unit 19 oz 15 cars
# 4 unit 28 oz 11 cars
# 5 unit 28 oz 19 cars
This last 28 oz loco was the same one with the two different motor units installed, first the one and then the other.
Graham C. New Zealand
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