Bob Nelson
lionelsoni wrote:I put a motor in the "dummy" unit of my 2023 set. It now has no trouble pulling a dozen 2400-type streamliners.
Bob this is a neat idea...was the dummy frame completely adaptable to an additional motor? Did you wire the dummy motor from the Powered units E-unit or use a second e-unit? I've thought of buying a stand alone 2023 power unit to lash up with my power unit to make them pull better.
The dummy unit "TwoThreeFourThree" describe sounds like it does need a good lube. Mine rolls effortlessly when well lubed, but as heavy as it is adds considerable load to the train on hills.
My ALCo's are the smoothest running (I mean SILKY smooth, creeps good too) locos I own. But the loco itself isn't nearly as heavy as a dual motored F3 and has a much higher gear ratio than the F3 and only the one motor (and thus only 4 wheel drive). The PW AlCo's weakness is its inability to develop tractive effort, due to lighter weight, 4 vs. 8 drive wheels, higher gear ratio.
ADCX Rob wrote: Run the AA set backwards - front coupler of the powered unit pulling the consist, rear coupler pushing the dummy. Rob
Rob
I do this as well. It helps a little. I do it more to wear the gear train more evenly than anything else.
Along flats I have no problem pulling nearly 20 well maintained PW era cars. If I peg the throttle at the start the wheels will surely spin, but with judicious application of the throttle very prototypical starts result. Normal inclines give me lot's of trouble though...anything over 6-8 cars and unless I have a REAL GOOD running start the wheels start slipping and the train stalls before reaching the top flat.
Anecdotal: My can motored PE Berkshire out pulls my PW 2343 SF on hills! I suspect the traction tires have a lot to do with this. Where wheel-to-rail friction is unlimited (Mt. Washington's COG railway...:)..? )the dual-motored F3 would out pull virtually any modern loco I believe.
I guess it all comes down to how best to increase the friction...a time-immemorial quest for railroaders both big and small. Check the forum for threads on this...I think there's been one or two.
Roland
Just to add fuel to the fire in this UP 2023 Alco discussion, this link is courtesy of Jim A. Videos show LTI 2031 Alcos (1952-1954 with magnetraction) pulling 15 and 22 cars, respectively, though I suspect the dummy unit is no dummy unit and the boxcars are not the heaviest of rolling stock. There are 3 separate videos. Bright cabin lights might indicate the voltage is up in the videos. Enjoy, then start cleaning and lubing the rolling stock, clean track, loco wheels, and the pickups. I've had my single engine 2031 Rock Island Alco pulling 12 plus the dummy unit with a ZW. Never tried more. Jack.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack,
Check this 2031 video out!
Lionel 2031s in action
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
The Alco AA sets were furnished with a 90 watt 1033 transformer, and the TW has two of them inside, one for trains, the other for accessories, so the TW should be fine for your set if it is running up to snuff.
Do a complete lube job on both of the locos - oil at all 16 wheel bearings and the spur gear shafts, oil the armature end bearings, grease the power truck gears(worms and spurs) & lube all Postwar axles/wheels(I use a drop of Mobil 1 from a hobby needle oiler).
Run the AA set backwards - front coupler of the powered unit pulling the consist, rear coupler pushing the dummy.
I think a lot has to with the condition of your 2023s and the rolling stock. I do, however think that you guys are asking a bit much from your alcos. I have 3 sets of die-cast frame alcos (2023 in yellow and grey, and a 2032). They have all been professionally serviced and run beautifully smooth and track as if they are glued to the track. I do notice, especially when using it as an AA set, the pulling power if not the best.
I run mine as if it were a small set/outfit. The AA and about 4-6 PW cars and lighted coboose. Looks good, and still runs smoothly.
If your looking for something equally as smooth and similiar (maybe even cheaper) then a 2023, look into a PW switcher like a nice 623 or 6250. Same motors as the 2023, but seem to pull a little more.
Doesn't sound unlike my 2023's which run very well and have all their magnets. I pull ten or so well Lubed PW cars with my 2023's with no problems at all however when the wheels dry out I can tell and with only one drive motor in the ALCo's they sometimes spin when starting out especially with cars around a curve.
Cheers,
USNRol
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month