I have the original, and with a single AC motor in the front, the traction is non-existent! I solve that problem by adding a motor and converting it to use the ERR AC Commander, it was a major improvement! When I started, it couldn't pull the original four cars around on a level layout properly on Atlas track. When I run the upgrade, it will haul 20-25 freight cars or eight passenger cars around, including a 2% grade with no problem. Note that it has no traction tires, and magnatraction isn't useful on non-ferrous track, so it's just basic metal on metal traction that moves things. Here's the thread on the motor upgrade: Improving the Lionel Phantom Locomotive
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