using tire weights to weigh down rolling stock

I just use the clip-on weights that I find in the street.

I've used a bunch of tire weights, but for the last couple I used material I had on hand.

 

Yes, those are 45 ACP lead bullets.  I didn't like their performance for their intended role, so I repurposed them for this role.  This is right at a pound of extra weight, and it made a huge difference in the performance of the HHP-8.

 

 

Tire weights are a good idea but I have a large collection of various caliber lead musket balls so I use them. I "cube" them with a heavy hammer. Plus I have a box of 50 cal, 450 grain lead bullets that weigh almost 3 lbs that I never used.

I've been using the stick on wheel weights for years. I buy them by the box on EBay real cheap. The Lionel cars are usually in need of a few ounces to bring them up to NMRA standards.

true meaning to the term "bullet trains"

Yep, I have about 20 pounds of those lead bullets, so I have weights for some time.  They're great for adding weight to boxcars as well.

 

 

Would make great weights in passenger cars too....with just a little yellow paint.  Yah had to know I'd post these again, John. 

 

Bruce

My cars hate going backwards. I always though adding weight inside the cars would help 

is this what you guys do ? or what reason is their to make a locomotive heavier ?

I also use the stick on tire weights.  I work part time in a Chevrolet dealership so they are readily available.

I use the stick on wheel wgts in a lot of my cars. I used about 2 pounds of them in an MTH C and O Coal Turbine to give it some real tractive effort. Original Proto 1 version and it was a real weak puller. Now it spins the EARTH under its wheels..

When tire weights were lead I used them. Now that they are steel I just use a couple of large washers over the trucks in my light freight cars. One of the benefits of being a pak rat.

 

Pete

I just go to a sports store and buy fishing line weights.  Maybe I'm paying too much?

Alan

Yep, I use the same thing. My brother has the auto repair business. I get to within about an ounce or so of the NMRA weight. Depends where I can hide them. It felt strange weighing my rolling stock for some reason.

If they're 200gr. your wasting them.

 

 

Porsche1662 - the weight gives a loco more adhesion, or traction in the auto world.

Since you can't just stick "bigger tars" on it, or tires with better tread, this is the only way to increase a loco's grip, if it needs help. Can't use the sanders all the time. Most don't have a problem. 

 

Of course, if there is too much weight in the rear of an automobile, one can easily "back it off the highway". I had a 911, years and years ago. I suspect that you may know whereof I speak.

 

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For weighting RR equipment, I use a lead roof vent, from Home Depot, etc. I cut it with tin snips, shapes easily, also.

 

Glue, or 2-sided tape.

 

The tire weights are a good idea - but I don't work at an automotive establishment.

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5lb boxes of wheel weights on EBay are pretty cheap

 

 

Not really, I was not happy with the performance when used for their original design purpose.   I went back to some jacketed bullets, much better accuracy and less bore fouling.

 

Would someone please remind me what the recommended weight for a car is?  I was going to ask this question in a separate thread before I noticed this one.

 

I seem to remember some about a given weight per inch of car length  plus 5, but I don't remember what the unit are.  Also I am not sure if that is correct.

 

I think I'll be asking for a scale for Christmas

Harbor Freight  stocks these weights-

 

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/1...z-wheel-weights.html

 

I have used them on HO rolling stock.

 

Another option is used lawn edger blades.