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It seems that most of the manufacturers use traction tires on their steam locomotives to increase the tractive force. This is all right, unless the tires wear out, in which case, you have to replace them. Some steam locomotives, especially in N-scale do not have enough room under the shell to add extra weight and just putting a lead weight anywhere on the outside of the shell is ridiculous. If there were detailing parts available that were made of lead, they might add to the weight, but not significantly and I don't believe they'd look all that good anyway. Lead's too soft. When I got my first Lionel train set, the model came in two configurations. The model 2018, which is what I got, and the model 2037, which had magnetic driver wheels. Lionel's contention was that the magnetic force would add to the traction. In fact, they called it Magnetraction and charged ten bucks more for the set. That was the only difference between the 2018 and the 2037. Is it feasible for steam locomotives to have magnetic drivers? I don't think it would cause a problem with the operation of the engine, and certainly shouldn't be a problem with the motor. Perhaps the magnetic force isn't great enough to make that much of a difference? Just wondering, I can't put traction tires on my MP 4-6-2 Pacific, it's not designed for them. I wonder if maybe the manufacturers have considered magnets. All the power in the motor doesn't make a difference if you can't grip the rails to use that power.
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