I have a postwar Lionel 202 Union Pacific that will operate fine with no rolling stock but when rolling stock is added, the wheels on the loco just spin with no traction. If you are able to help it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Theres a few things you can try first try running the engine in reverse ( temporary till you can try a couple of these other ideas) let the engine pull the cars with its nose coupler. Okay on to solutions first make sure your cars roll easy if not try adding about a 1/2 of drop into the area the axle connects to the side frame. Try adding some weight as close to the motor with out inter-fearing with it as you can to give it more traction and the other idea ( I haven't done this my self but have heard good reviews on it ) there is an item called bullfrog snot if you put it on one traction wheel each side it should also help you get traction better.
Life's hard, even harder if your stupid John Wayne
http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/
First, make sure that your rolling stock is in good repair. Cars of that vintage need to be lubricated where the wheels turn on the axles--especially the ones with all-metal trucks. Very possibly, the axles are gummed with dried-up lubricant. Make sure nothing is binding; postwar metal trucks are not particularly rigid, and can be bent out of shape if dropped or mishandled. Cleaning the tread of the wheels will help somewhat, too.
Once the rolling stock is rolling as well as it can, if the engine still has trouble, then I would add weight to it. These small Alco engines are not very heavy; yours should have magnetraction to help with that, but the magnets can lose their potency over time, so extra weight can help hold the wheels to the rails and prevent slipping. There is one screw in the rear of the locomotive which holds the shell on. Obviously, weight will be more helpful the closer it is to the powered truck. While you are in there, make sure the motor is lubricated adequately as well.
rtraincollector let the engine pull the cars with its nose coupler.
let the engine pull the cars with its nose coupler.
The only problem there is, if this is a regular 202 it doesn't have a front coupler
Trevor
some of the single engines did some didn't hard to keep up with which do and don't if you don't have any I went by geenburgs repair manual that shows a broad view of all of them
This engine had only ONE axle magnatraction. It definitely would be worth while to add some weight. Make sure the wheels are all clean.
Roger
this problem truly has me stumped. I have added different weights and the issue remains. In reverse, the loco moves and purrs like a kitten, In forward it struggles to move with wheels spinning. I have cleaned all wheels until they are spotless.
What type track are you using?
Trains in FL,
I try to only answer on things I have first hand knowledge of. It don't mean I am right but I have touched on the matter. My first train was a 202 and I have 2 of them. Some of the replies are correct and some are a good guess.
Only one axle magnetized but with no nose coupler so pulling in reverse is out, you can only push in reverse. I don't know how much run time you have on yours you could have many issues, bad worn gears ect but it sounds to me like it could have short motor brushes if it is working in one direction and not the other. Been there and seen that. You see in one direction the worm gear in the motor is pushing the armature up against the brushes and in the other direction it is pulling it away from the brushes. I think in forward it is pulling it away and short brushes will not make good contact the other way it will but that does not explain why it would be spinning the wheels in both directions. All kinds of things could be the problem but they should be able to pull 4 to 5 post war cars without any problem. Are the wheels clean and free of grease? Is the track clean and free of oil and grease? The 202 are a fine running engine with fair pulling power but any grease on the driver will put an end to that. The 1959 set # 1569 they were sold with had 3 cars and a caboose.
Pictures would help.
Send me a PM with any questions,
Hope this helps
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month