3rd Rail pickup - wheels vs 'tabs' ?

[pgtr]

I've noticed both arrangements on the bottoms of various Lionels in pictures.

What's the significance of one or the other. Does one work better or last longer ...?

thanks

[ben10ben]

Rollers are generally considered to be the better choice overall, although I doubt that there's a whole lot of difference between the two. Rollers are more replaceable and last longer than sliders. Sliders have more contact area, though.

In the past, most higher-end engines had rollers and lower end engines had sliders. Now, every engine that I know of being made has rollers.

[pgtr]

Thanks - makes perfect sense.

[Anonymous]

Shoes/sliders also could snag on crossover/switch frogs.