Using a 2026 locomotive that someone lent me to try to set things up for my grandchild. If there are more than about 2 cars beyond the tender, there are places on the track where the loco wheels slip a lot. In other words, wheels are powering forward at their normal speed but loco is barely moving forward. I've tried cleaning both the track and engine wheels. This loco, at least according to
https://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_2026_loco.htm, does not have Magnetraction. I've seen some references to traction tires but, despite having owned a Lionel as a kid, had never heard of those (mine may well have had Magnetraction). I've seen discussions of putting weights inside the cab. And one discussion of whether the springs on the pickups are pushing the loco too high. Any thoughts are welcome. Thank you.
amz
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
Sorry to hear about your slippage problem.
Adding weight to your locomotive is one solution, adding traction tires is another.
Are the cars you are pulling heavyweights? are the axles & wheels on them well lubricated?
that is the problem l discover when l run into slippage, trying to pull too heavy a load for the locomotive, or no luberication for the axles & wheels making a diffucult pull.
There are a variety of reasons, from out of gauge track or wheel sets to too step an incline or slippery track that might cause your wheels to spin.
you just have to keep trying until you discover a solution to your problem.
happy rails...
dave