Loosey Goosey 2046

[stuartmit]

Just laid down track for new folded dogbone layout with a grade 125" long rising just about 5". My 2046 seems to really head down that grade with gusto, and I have to really turn the voltage down to maybe 9-10 volts. The loco rolls very freely-there is a noticeable coasting effect when I stop it altogether--maybe 5-6 inches of travel. I do not notice this with my 2020 which I know has a different motor design. Is the 2046's greater ease of moving because the gears have two much clearance and therefore less friction thus making downhills more of a thrill ride, and stopping more difficult. Is this  an indication that  the unit needs work? Or is this just something you have to put up with this type of motor?

[cwburfle]

Coasting is normal.

 

[bridgeengineer]

The Lionel 2046 has a transverse armature motor, like a 2025/2026/2035/2056  etc., and will coast well, whereas a 2020 has a longitudinal drive shaft and worm gear to the rear axle, like a 671/681/682/726/736/746/773.  They have different frictional characteristics.

 

[tinplatacis]

I would suggest a separate block for the down grade with lower power than the rest of the layout.

[lionelsoni]

But power that downhill block from the same transformer output as the rest of the track, using voltage-dropping element(s) in series with the downhill block, like a resistor (or rheostat) or, better, anti-parallel diode pairs, to lower the voltage.

[8ntruck]

My 6' by 9' Polar Express layout has a very steep downhill spiral block that I added the anti-parallel diode pairs as the voltage dropping device.  Works great. 

Before I added them, an active hand was needed on the throttle to prevent derailments on the curve at the bottom of the hill.  With the anti-parallel diodes, one throttle setting works all the way around the layout.

My wife was operating the layout at a show a couple of years back.  She got to talking and missed backing the throttle down.  The result was the P.E. Berkshire demonstrating its rock like glide ratio down to the floor.