I have a steep grade that ends in a 72" curve on one section of my layout. Some of my motive power navigates the grade well but two engines stall when pulling any reasonably sized train. The two engines are both MTH premiers and one is a 2-8-2 and the other a 4-6-2. It seems to me that if a little extra weight were added, particularly over the drivers that this might solve it. Has anyone else had this problem and what might be the best way to add weight. Comments and ideas are welcomed.
Thanks
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First, what percentage grade is this section? I ran HO freight trains up a 4% grade without traction tires and without modification. For my steam locomotive, I would simply apply helpers as would happen in real life. If you have a heavy train, that too would make it harder on the engine. My best bet to you is to add a helper to get it up the grade.
Those engines normally pull very good,
I suspect the issue is the exit from the grade is too abrupt and the traction tires are lifted off the rails. You have to ease into and out of grades with a gradual change to a different pitch. If it's too abrupt, you'll get exactly what you describe. Some locomotives won't notice as much as others. It's not necessarily the size of the locomotive either, it's the way the drivers and pilot trucks support the locomotive.
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