Which would perform better, MPC single motor vs. K-line two motor?

On a layout that size, it wouldn't matter. However, in the big picture a 2 motor will do much better.

Probably the dual can motor is better.

However, I wouldn't overlook condition. I just bought a K-Line GP-38 which is a nice running conventional engine. It took me 10 hours to get this one running like it should.

As I recall, the K-Line MP15s have the small DC motors in the trucks.  At least the early ones did.  Did they build a version with vertical can motors? 

Two motors

The AC motor will draw far more current than the K-Line dual motored engine.  It'll have better low speed performance and better speed control.

The K-line MP15 would be a much better choice. Dual AC can motor will pull less current and it will have four traction tires. It will our perform the MPC loco all day.

The K-Line MP15 and similar engines with truck mounted motors  can derail on 027 curves.

As mentioned, if an earlier K-Line with the small truck mounted motors it will be extremely fast and difficult to maintain slower speeds.  We had a couple at our hobby shop years ago and ours would always win a drag race we would set up from time to time on Saturdays or at shows. Previously the Marx 666 steam loco was the undisputed speed king before the K-Line switchers came along...

Thank you all for the responses.

@ChiTown Steve, what kind of work was required to get that GP38 running right?

@gunrunnerjohn, just to be clear are you saying the K-line will have better low-speed performance and speed control?

@c.sam posted:

As mentioned, if an earlier K-Line with the small truck mounted motors it will be extremely fast and difficult to maintain slower speeds.  We had a couple at our hobby shop years ago and ours would always win a drag race we would set up from time to time on Saturdays or at shpows. Previously the Marx 666 steam loco was the undisputed speed king before the K-Line switchers came along...

I have one of these somewhere and if memory serves me, wiring the 2 can motors in series helps with speed control.

Tony

Joe- I have both, I'd take the K-line MP-15 over a MPC. The  K-lines are jack rabbits- mine are all wired in series.

The other drawback to the MPC is a conventional e-unit over an electronic reverse board in the K-lines.

Bob

Yes, probably by a country mile.  The Pulmore was never known as a slow speed runner, primarily due to the fact that it's a 3-pole motor, and can motors are either 5-pole or 7-pole.  Also, the combination of two motors also smooths things out.

I upgraded my Lionel Phantom from one Pulmore motor to two motors, it made a huge difference in the running characteristics, especially at low speed.

To be honest, sometimes a Pullmor loco has low-end performance that surprises you. An electronic e-unit can replace the electro-mechanical one. I have a can K-Line MP-15 and they want to go like the wind; I have an old All-Nation zinc NW-2 into which someone installed a single MPC Pullmor truck, and it will run along at a decent moderate speed. But - most of my equipment is TMCC/ERR/cruise stuff, so I am not an expert.

Most important point in my experience and observation, however: use a modern transformer, especially on the little-can-motor modern stuff. They start at 0 volts; the old xformers started at about 6, I think - to wake up the Pullmors. This makes the K-Line (etc) low-end can engines go only fast and faster.

At most train shows (swap meets) you should be able to get a Lionel postwar GP7 (like the common Milwaukee Road) for less than $150 with no battery damage and in decent shape.

Pullmor motor and magnetraction!

That is the route I'd go

@coach joe posted:

Thank you all for the responses.

@ChiTown Steve, what kind of work was required to get that GP38 running right?

@gunrunnerjohn, just to be clear are you saying the K-line will have better low-speed performance and speed control?

It was largely neglect from the previous owner. Some of this I expect but it just kept going on.

No grease in the motor or gears. The wheels were bone dry of any oil. The reverse board was loose and flopping around. The screws to the chassis were not correct. One of the center rail wires was touching ground during turns. Rubber tires needed replacing. The motor mount screws couldn't be snugged up so I had to replace them.

I picked up a K-Line GP38 at auction and it is a very affordable conventional no frills locomotive with nice details.