Lionel 8701 General traction issues

[mpzpw3]

I am wondering if there is any way to inprove the traction on this engine? I have just finished cleaning the track, which helped a lot, but I still have to reverse the engine first, to "slacken" the couplers, and then go into forward. It seems to be on the verge of slipping as it circles the track. It is pulling a MTH 3 car overton set, and a MTH 19th century boxcar. On a lark, I oiled the axles on the boxcar, but the wheels didn't spin any better than unoiled. My postwar 675 pulls this consist with no problems, but it is a lot heavier engine. Any help would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

The MTH cars are considerably heavier than the Lionel cars designed for their "General" trains. The MTH version of the "General" type locomotive is also considerably heavier than the Lionel Generals. That's why you're experiencing traction problems. Unfortunately, I don't have a solution to your problem. The Lionel models are intended to handle short trains of light cars--just like the prototypes commonly did back in the mid- to late-19th century.

I used to collect both the Lionel 4-4-0s and the MTH 4-4-0s, but sold all of my MTH (including the rolling stock) and kept the Lionel. I just decided that I liked the look/proportions of the Lionel models better, but that's strictly a matter of personal preference. Both the Lionel and MTH models are significantly oversize, but that doesn't bother me since I don't run them with other types of motive power.