Any chance the rolling resistance of the cars has increased for some reason? Perhaps the needlepoints wearing into the truck sideframes?
Maybe do a methodical test on each car to be sure each one has good rolling characteristics.
I found a car, quite by accident, where the truck sideframe had worn down to the point where the wheel flange was actually rubbing the floor of the car causing quite a bit of drag.
This will be a good mystery to solve, my dear Watson!
Cheers, Ed
BigDaddyAssuming no traction tires, my money would be on electrons vs rail wear.
Ya but, the wheels are spinning as they always have, just no traction.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
For it to be the rail, we would have to postulate that you wore the rail down so the thickness is no longer the rail top but thickness of the web. Less surface area would be less traction, but is that even possible in one persons' lifetime?
I was reading on wiringforDCC about the hazards of using terminal blocks which the author thought was detrimental to voltage over the long term.
Assuming no traction tires, my money would be on electrons vs rail wear.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I have a 45' long grade that is under 2%. I set my trains up so they can go up and over without too much effort, they have been doing this for years. So today I am running the usual 4-4-0 with six cars and a 2-10-4 with 22 cars, never has there been a problem getting up and over for these trains, until today. Both trains were either spinning their wheels if not stopping altogether.
I cleaned the track four times with alcohol and then twice with lacquer thinner, I also cleaned the wheels three times, all to no avail.
I am completely at a loss as to why after so many years of perfect performance I am having this problem. My next step is to replace the track. Thoughts gentlemen?