Developing Traction Problem

Will the engine push the train easily in reverse or does it behave the same as when trying to pull it forward?

You allude to the fact the front motor "may not be working as it should".... I'd put the locomotive on its side and wire some transformer leads to the middle rail roller and another to a good chassis ground point and apply power. Observe the operation of both motors; do they start to turn the wheels at the same time, or does the front motor lag the rear motor. If one is dragging, or worse, not operating, you have your answer. Maybe the gearbox needs lube/oil/cleaning. Any foreign objects stuck in the gear train?

Good luck, more close observation will likely lead you to the problem and solution.

Given the fact you say the engine pulled these cars previously with out issue its probably something other that what Ill mention here:

I have two sets of K line heavyweights. When I got them each set had an excessive amount of drag created by too much tension on the center and outside axles from the electrical wipers under each truck.

This made them the least free rolling cars I have ever experienced.

To remedy this issue. I straightened out a hair pin and put a drop of electrically conductive grease on the bulb end of the hairpin.

Its tough to see but I pushed the end of hairpin between each of the copper wipers and the axles the were rubbing against, regreasing the hairpin end for each axle. I chose a hair pin because the smallest screwdriver will still be too large to reach the center axle wiper.

The bulb end of the hairpin pushes against the copper wiper relieving some of the tension. Obviously grease further reduces the friction.

This isn't terribly easy  to do, you need a good light source and some patience as well as decent near sight, but it worked like a charm.

Now the cars roll nice and free, and the wipers still make enough contact that there are no lighting issues.

Bob, it does the same in reverse. I will take the chassis off again and try what D&H suggested. By the way, I live in Wilmington...a hop and a skip away from you. Thank you for opening your home to see your layout several years ago.

Rick

RICKO, thank you for the suggestion. These cars actually roll very smoothly with little effort to overcome their inertia. I lubricated the axles and wheel sets to be sure. I feared that maybe I overdid, so that is why I really cleaned the track well with alcohol and with a dry rag. I did not mention that the track is Gargraves though I doubt that that makes a difference. I have until the 16th to solve this riddle.

Rick

How does the engine work with no cars to pull?

Traction issues that I have experienced:

> Traction tires departing the drive wheels, and wheels slipping inside of the traction tires. Traction tires stretch and they harden over time. Track cleaning fluids also affect them;

> Dirty track especially from smoke fluid resulting in accumulation of deposits on track and train wheels. Dust on the track makes this the deposits especially nasty;

> Factory specified traction tire too large. I generally use on size smaller;

> Lionel traction tires are too wide for Rail King drivers, so the tires do not seat properly. This causes slippage;

> insufficient weight acting on the drivers.

Bobby, thank you. I am believing that it is not a traction tire problem, but I am reclining the track just to be sure. I have not been running trains with the smoke units on, but I am concerned that lubricating the wheels on new rolling stock may have gotten onto the track.

RICKM46, I am believing that it is an engine issue. The diesel is not responding quite the way it has been. It is on my workbench to take the chassis off again. If I cannot figure it out, it may be going to be shipped to one of the great folks here on the forum.

Off to rehab for my total shoulder replacement.

Rick