@ES44AC posted:Now I completely understand they'll do what it takes to get by, but I would imagine for an engine as large as 1309 (especially when compared to 734) they would benefit greatly to replace as many ties as possible.
Actually, the 1309 will be easier on the track than the 734 was.
It has to do with axle loading and flexibility, and the 1309 has better stats here than the rigid frame 734 locomotive.
AXLE LOADING is the weight carried by each axle on the locomotive. That's what determines how much wear will be imparted to the track when the locomotive moves over it. While it is true that the 1309 is heavier than the 734, that weight is spread over more axles. Consequently each axle places a lighter load on the track at any given spot than the 734 did.
FLEXIBILITY has to do with how much the locomotive will wear the track in curves. Because the 1309 is a six-coupled, articulated locomotive, it is much more flexible than the eight-coupled 734. The term "six-coupled" refers to six drivers coupled together via their side rods. Eight-coupled refers to a locomotive with eight drivers coupled via their side rods. An articulated, six-coupled engine can negotiate curves and rough track better than a rigid-frame eight-coupled engine.
Back in the day, these light, six-coupled articulateds were used on branch line mine runs. In other words, they were assigned to run on the worst track on the railroad, because they could handle it better than a rigid-frame loco, and they were also easier on the track.
This is one of the reasons why the WM Scenic chose this engine in the first place. It is an excellent choice for a locomotive that has to run almost every day on less than perfect track.
