2025

With minimal grades i bet one of those would pull 25 modern cars. They weigh a ton. Magnetraction probably cant be added so new motors with it would be the way to go if you wanted it but my experience it does not make a huge difference at least with this particular loco. 

I'm actually rather plain when it comes to hills. It's all level for me. I was just wondering because I have an early 2026 no magnetraction and the the 6440 passenger cars. It does ok, But likes to slip. I was concerned that the 2025 would do the same

All the early engines have wheel slippage..You might want to try putting on a MTH traction tire on one of the rear drivers...

Marty

I was sort of thinking about traction tires but wasn't sure if they would work because the wheel wasn't milled out to accommodate them 

Well the MTH ones are pretty slim and it wouldn't hurt to try.  Besides you cannot have magnatraction in a motor with a steel frame, frame and axles must be non magnetic for it to work, you might want to go with a 2035 motor with good magnates..

Marty

No, you cannot add magnetraction. 

You could get a magnetraction motor, but I think you'd be better off just getting a proper 2035. 

A 2025 may already pull 20 fairly lightweight modern cars with needlepoint axles and fast angle wheels on level track

Oh ok thanks. I'll give that a shot. It won't be for a while till they're even running. My honey do list is greater than working on the trains, at least that's I'm told

A 2035 motor will fit in the 2025. The early version 2025 with baldwin wheels will pull 15 postwar lionel and maybe more cars (never tried) i can attest on flat layout. They run like a sewn machine smooth and quiet compared to the 52 version 2025 non baldwin wheel type.

The 1950 version of the 2035 had big round magnets that were very strong and this engine can pull your 20-30 modern MTH-RK and Lionel cars on flat track. Also has the half moon eccentric cranks 

The 1951 version 2035 had thin rectangle magnets not as strong as the ones in the 1950 version i have both and not many folks i think know that difference in those magnets. The eccentric cranks where changed from half moon to the 2 pin type along with the center blind wheel as well in "51".