In the postwar category, my entry would be a set of horizontal motored F-3s on Postwar tubular track. I specify postwar track because the newer track is made of a lighter gauge steel, and magnetraction is more effective on the older, heavier track.
As far as modern trains go, I think that you'll find that any dual motored diesel with traction tires or any die-cast steamer with traction tires has more traction than us mere mortals will ever need. Most tests in magazines pretty consistently calculate that they'll be able to pull in excess of 100 well-rolling cars.
As far as a traditional NO FRILLS locomotive my vote is for the LIONEL Baby HUDSON. Number 6-18606. Little engine varacious appitite for pulling long trains. Had this single engine pulling 25 coal cars without a slip. One of my best pullers in the yard.
laz57
736 Berkshire is a mighty tugger. GG-1's too. Both have alot of weight for that sought after tractive force.
I put my money one of the newer articulated units on the market.
Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
Folks:
A couple of thoughts:
(1) From Lionel, I'd like to add the original Lionel 6-8-6 681, 682 steam turbine to the list. I had a chance to run one on a large hobbyshop layout with 'O' tubular track and 042 curves (all on one level with no inclines) with a fourteen car consist (REA Express Car, 11 PRR Baby Madisons and a couple of 027 PRR "shorties") and it ran like a champ. I'd also go with the Lionel Baby Hudson - just restored one and it's a great engine!
(2) From Williams, just about any of their two motor diesels / electrics with traction tires on just about any kind of track with a minimum of 031 curves. What a difference 50 years of development in motors (open frame AC motor vs. flywheel-equipped DC can motors) can make!
Mike
For the money Williams 671 S-2 Pennsy steamer sure pulls alot, 27 frieght cars, would have pulled more but the track wouldn't let it(derailed trying to go around curves), 042 Gargraves curves on a 12 by 8 layout. Another single unit puller by Williams is the GP-9's, have to start this one at extremely slow speed.
Lee F.
"736 Berkshire is a mighty tugger. GG-1's too. Both have alot of weight for that sought after tractive force."
Interesting. After years of "hints," my father has finally agreed to give up his 726 Berk. I have never had a chance to put this engine - which has basically been box for the past fifty years barring being run about six times - through its paces on a layout setting. I assume that it's a fine puller even lacking the Magnetraction (right?) of the 736.
My MTH semi-scale GG1 can pull a house. That engine rocks. Its pulled consists that left a Williams GP9 twin motor helplessly spinning its wheels.
Didn't the postwar Lionel FM Trainmaster have a great reputation as a puller? I have never seen one in action but that is what I have read.
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