Is it normal for a Magnetraction engine to slip on non ferrous track?

the magnatraction has no affect on non ferric track.

A 218 loco has only 2 powered axles. It's not going to pull much without steel rails for the 2-axle Magnetraction to grip.

Russell,

If you would change your track to 0-42 curve steel track your diesel pulling power would  more than double.

Merry Christmas,

Jimmy

Russell I had the same problem with the Lionel Pratts Hollow Phamtom loco,it would only pull 2 of the carrages from the set.

Got a replacement block set of wheels with traction tyres,put the old motor on and it pulled OK after that.

James

Answer: Yes.  Happens to me.  Magnetraction is a great idea but they are designed so they depend on that for nearly all their traction.

Being able to run my postwar trains with Magnetraction is the reason why I used Fastrack on my layout instead of Realtrax.

I thank all of you for the replies and Yes I know why my track is a poor match for Magnetraction.

I was just surprised the traction was so low on a flat top rail. Perhaps some weight will help.

Alibatwomble;

I am surprised to hear about your Phantom. Mine pulls all 4 cars fine on my RealTrax layout in the basement. Admittedly the curves are wider there. Mine is also TMCC so I wonder if they also changed the wheels along the way. Mine does need the motor to be rebuilt as it consistently pops my breaker after a couple laps pulling all 4 cars (over current limit). Any other engine can pull the 4 cars forever with no problems.

You may find you can put traction tires over two of the driven wheels, which will give you the pulling power you need. With 031 curves and no grooves in the wheels the tires may or may not stay on. A little rubber cement might keep them on. I added two tires to a plastic 2-4-2 steamer (246?) and it greatly increased its pulling power on Gargraves track. The tires stay on without grooves, probably because they are stretched so tight and my radius is 072.

You can also add weight. My 1055 Texas Special ALCO was very basic (from a promotional set) and had no magne-traction, but did have a steel weight riveted to the back wall of the locomotive and it pulled 7-8 free rolling cars on level track.

Whatever you do, enjoy your holiday layout!