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Steam Engine Traction
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Several possibilities why some locomotives diesel or steamers, vary in pulling power. <br /> <br />Sintered vs. polished nickel-silver wheels. Sintered wheels have better traction but get dirtier faster. Most better steamers have polished wheels, Athearn diesels have sintered wheels. <br /> <br />Diesels typically have more drive wheels than steamers. While on paper this should not make a difference, it often does. Sprung drive wheels helps to even out the tractive force, and increases traction. <br /> <br />Gearing and such should make NO difference, as long as the motor is capable of spinning the wheels. <br /> <br />Total weight, or more specifically weight on drivers can greatly affect the available tractive effort. Diesels are often easier to add lead. I once added 12 ounces each to a couple of AC4400's, now they're unstoppable. <br /> <br />When in doubt, add more lead! <br /> <br />Mark in Utah
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