Micro Trainz GP35

Hey! does any one know why the Micro Trains #981-01-050 C&O GP35 runs slow. I'm not complaining about it but when running at full power the engine still runs slower then my steam engines at the same speed. I have two of them and they both run the same. I'm using a Marklin Mini Club Transformer.

Walt, slow speed is good, but I expect the GP35 to run faster then the Marklins. I have not run a Marklin in ages, but they run too fast to prevent them from stalling. The GP35 motors draws less amp and should start moving before the Marklin. Is that the case? If not, then theres something wrong with them.

Couple things to check. First, check the brass screw on the side frames, if tight, loosen a bit. Secondly, check the screws that hold the chassis together. Loosen those a bit too.

Marklin locomotives tend to run VERY fast, especially compared to locos from AZL and MTL. Your GP35s should be running much slower versus the Marklin.

There is a misconception that all locos should be comparable when it comes to speed. There are huge differences in the manufacturing and parts used between companies, and even different versions and runs. The Marklin motors actually come from slot cars and thus are set to run at high RPM. Motors such as used by MTL and AZL are coreless motors and are geared down for slower speed, but additional torque. Also the gearing makes a huge difference.

I would advise against running locomotives at max voltage. Even though these motors are rated for upwards of 10volts, max voltage can degrade a loco motor over time. I try and run at more typical road speeds with equates to about 3-5 volts depending on the locomotive.

Rob

Posted similar question here -- with video of new GP-35, vintage F-7, and Marklin Pacific: www.zcentralstation.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=2&id=12928&Itemid=212 .

Z locomotives, like the prototype locos, have differing power curves for different models and manufacturers. The question should be: "what speed should the GP35 (GP9) run?" The baseline I use for the GP35 from the data on my units is 35-40 MPH (scale) at 5V throttle. For a point of reference, my data includes Marklin Mikados (3 pole, 5 pole) and F7s, MTLs F7s. and GPs and AZL GPs. The scale speed for this fleet is ranges from 30-80 MPH.
BTW: I saw somewhere in the NMRA documents that a loco must match the prototype's max speed to 25% to be "compliant."

Hpe this helps,

Mark

ztrack wrote: Marklin locomotives tend to run VERY fast, especially compared to locos from AZL and MTL. Your GP35s should be running much slower versus the Marklin.

There is a misconception that all locos should be comparable when it comes to speed. There are huge differences in the manufacturing and parts used between companies, and even different versions and runs. The Marklin motors actually come from slot cars and thus are set to run at high RPM. Motors such as used by MTL and AZL are coreless motors and are geared down for slower speed, but additional torque. Also the gearing makes a huge difference.

I would advise against running locomotives at max voltage. Even though these motors are rated for upwards of 10volts, max voltage can degrade a loco motor over time. I try and run at more typical road speeds with equates to about 3-5 volts depending on the locomotive.

Rob

Rob,
Marklin motors are geared down too via gearboxes or trucks, same as MTL or AZL, just not enough to slow down to prototypical speed, maybe apart form the class 96 locos which runs slow as it should.