Lionel loco has inconsistent speed

[Firesteel]

I agree this is normal for a figure-eight layout. Even with a short train there is quite a bit on drag on the curves due to the  fact that the train is essentially making a complete loop. An oval shaped loop tends to spread the forces out a little more but even then some drop off in speed can be noticeable.

My ten year old nephew has a figure-eight layout and the train does the exact same thing. He actually enjoys this as it gives him more throttle action rather than simply watching the train go around with no input from him. I would imagine this is the reason your grandson doesn't mind the inconsistent speed.

[Penny Trains]

That's very normal, especially for starter sets.

The simplest way to speed up a train is to take weight off it's couplers.  However from what you describe, 4 cars plus the tender, that's not a lot of weight.  But if the car wheels are plastic, you might try replacing them with metal wheels and axles.  Metal wheels won't rub on curves the way plastic wheels can.  You could also bank the outer edge of the curves slightly with shims to help keep the train on the table.

Becky

[egmurphy]

My grandson has an inexpensive Lionel starter set (Pennsylvania Flyer?) with a 4-4-2 locomotive.  He's young so it only gets set up at Thanksgiving/Christmas.  We have it set up on a table in a simple figure-8.  Last year I noticed that would speed up in the straight sections crossing the diamonds, then slow down in the curves.  Even though it's a small simple setup, I added a second set of feeder wires even though I doubted that it was an issue with being too far from the feeders.

Again this year we have it set up (while I'm visiting them) and have the same issue.  The loco speeds up in the straightaway, enters the curve with decent speed, then quickly slows down as it nears the end of the curve.  The difference in speeds is really significant.

I've cleaned the track (fast track) and the loco wheels/pickup rollers.  I have 2 sets of feeder wires from the transformer.  The loco is only pulling the tender and 4 cars.

Any thoughts on the cause?  Is this this typical for department store Lionel sets?

I suppose it's not critical. The speed slow down bothers me but doesn't seem to phase the little guy.  And while I think we have to run it too fast in the straight in order for it to make it around the curve, he likes that.  I just thought I'd ask.

Thanks

Ed