Rolling Stock Standards

Adopted January 27, 2009

These are considered minimum equipment performance standards for efficient operation on the layout.
Equipment that does not meet standards will be removed from the layout.

(1) Couplers – >All cars must be equipped with Kadee ® or Kadee compatible metal knuckle couplers meeting coupler height and centering performance tests done with a Kadee ® Coupler gauge. The centers of the coupler should be adjusted to ride 25/64” above the rail-tops and uncoupling pins should clear the switch work rails by 1/32”

(2) Car Size & Clearance – We use NMRA car clearance standards as measured with the NMRA track clearance gauge. Issues of concern are side overhang and car height. GLW’s minimum mainline curve is 28” and track clearance is set to meet NMRA standards. Exceptions for odd size equipment may be made for general running, but not for op-sessions, unless traveling under a high-wide movement order.

(3) Metal Wheels – Metal wheels are required for all rolling stock. They have several advantages including serious reduction of track cleaning and improve running characteristics of all cars.

(4) Car Weighting – Improperly weighted cars are the main cause of derailments because light and heavy cars do not work well together. Optimum weights for HO scale cars are:

• 1 oz for Initial car weight plus
• ½ oz for each inch of car body length

(There are paper car weight rulers showing the computed minimum weight based on length, in Room 106)

Note: Car weighting beyond these amounts is acceptable, but does not improve car performance and adds drag on the trainload.

(5) Wheel Rolling Test – Cars must be able to roll free on a 2% grade. Properly weighted cars with free rolling metal wheels can pass this test easily.

Note: Avoid use of lubricants in the journal bearings (except graphite).

(6) End-of-Train Detection – Operating sessions will be using electronic detection circuits to determine if a train occupies the hidden storage yards. Cabooses operating on the layout must be equipped with a resistance load across the wheels. The load may be a simple resistor (about 1K ohm) or a lighting system. See the Electrical Superintendent to insure that your caboose meets these requirements.

(7) Window Glazing – Cabooses, engines, and passenger cars operated on the layout must have window coverings. Glass or clear plastic may be used to simulate glazing.

(8) Engine Standards – All engines operated on the GLW must be DCC equipped and tested on the test track prior to operation. Engines must also be equipped with Kadee ® couplers and meet the size and clearance tests above.