I've got an old Marx "William Crooks" steamer that had the same problem, wheels slipped even without any load, I suspect due to age the drivers just got polished slick. Here's a trick that really does work. Get some safety tread tape, you know the stuff they put on floors and stairs? Cut a thin strip to match the circumference of one or two of the drivers, make sure the drivers are clean and dry and apply the safety tread strip. The locomotive will take off like a rocket! You may have to replace the strip every so often but like I said, it really works!
Post War Lionel 671/2020 Turbine Pulling Power
Rob
"Ballast No. 671-219 has been added to later model locomotives to improve their traction. To mount ballast in older models, set ballast on frame in front of the E-Unit so that the smoke lever clears channel in base of ballast. Drill and tap frame for No. 6-32 x 5/8" screws."
http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc671p5.pdf
Or you can just add lead wherever you find room inside the boiler.
Bob Nelson
I know quite a few people who clean their track with stuff like Goo-Gone and certain types of oils like ATF. These leave an oily film. Best cleaner I've found is a bit of fine grit sandpaper (800 or better), some alcohol, a lint free cloth and some old fashioned elbow grease.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
What are you cleaning the track with? The cleaning solution may be leaving an oily residue on the track. There are only two reasons why the wheels would slip.
First, the coefficient of friction is too low between the track and the wheels. Dirty track and dirty wheels, assuming it isn't an oily residue, will probably increase the tractive effort rather than reduce it. Cleaning the track and wheels will increase the electrical conductivity but may result in wheel slippage.
Second, the load on the engine is excessive due to too many cars or high rolling friction in the car wheels.
Good luck...
Earl
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