Trix Big Boy Question

[Anonymous]

I recently purchased a Trix Big Boy from the first run (4013), no decoder or sound, otherwise the same as the new model.
I have a question on its pulling power. On level track it out pulls everything I have. Don't have enough freight & passenger cars (40+) to keep it from crawling along beautifully without ever slipping a wheel unless I really give it a fast throttle from a dead stop.
HOWEVER, This engine can't pull 6 boxcars and caboose up a short 4% grade!!! Even when running wide open, goes about 2 feet and just sits and spins!
I know it doesn't have traction tires like my Rivarossi Challenger, but it weighs twice as much. My Challenger regularly pulls 15+ cars up the same grade, but it won't pull near as much as the Trix Big Boy on the flats. Weird.
Anybody else have the same experience or a possible solution?

[AggroJones]

Well. Thats sounds pretty strange. I suggest you clean all the wheels with alcohol. Then run the locomotive light for a while to break it in some. Tractive force should increase as the wheels wear down their coating.

PS--I've seen this Trix 4-8-8-4 run at a show, with 40+ cars in tow.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. I'll try cleaning the wheels and run it light for awhile to see what happens.

[Anonymous]

One of the versions had Four traction tires per Trix and the instruction booklet you should have
shows how to change a traction tire.

You may wi***o review the merits of adding tires if you have the proper metric hex tools etc.

There are two trix versions, T22593 & 94. I suspect the 93 is the Euorpean version with traction tires.

[RRRerun]

Had same problem in some areas trackage with my Riv BB's & Challenger. They dont like the transition areas of grades if they are too sharp in contour. My Riv BB's will pull 50 cars up a 2% grade with 30" R curves. Sometimes traction tires will slip on the drivers. I found that carefully applying some CA glue after a thorough cleaning cures that problem. You must however place the engine on the tracks and run it with some 600 grit emory paper to clean any excess glue off and to true up the traction tire. I have found that doing this during routine cleaning also helps some with the tractive effort of the engine