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Increasing Weight/Traction/Pulling-Power of Brass Locomotives

pennsy484pennsy484OGR Forum Member
Is there a commonly known way to improve the pulling power of brass locomotives?

I am speculating that the brass locomotives are not as good as die-cast locomotives because of their relatively lighter weight.

Is it common to add weight to brass locomotives to improve pulling performance? If so, what is the best way to go about adding weight.

The brass locomotives I own have large Pittman motors and should pull better than they do based on what I see from what my die-cast locomotives can do. Most of my locomotives can pull a 22 car train up grades with the train being pulled through curves, whereas my brass locomotives slip out pulling 13 or 14.

Thanks for all constructive comments!
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FM Former Member
Don't know Jeff if you could add any significant weight to the shell.

My N scale engines had shaped weights inside them of either white metal like the Kato's or lead but with all the TMCC stuff like that new Y6 of yours I don't know weather there'd be enough room.

And if you do add weight would it cause the electronics to heat up from lack of fresh air?

David
Rich MelvinRich MelvinOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
It all has to do with weight on the drivers. Adding weight is the answer.

If you can still find sheet lead, that works nicely. I have used 3/16" thick sheet lead for many years to weight my cars and locomotives, although it may no longer be available. The lead is so soft that it can be cut with scissors to fit certain areas inside the boiler shell.

If sheet lead is not available, steel shot or BB's also works well. You have to get creative to position the weights around the electronics. Glue the shot in place with a bunch of Elmer's Glue in the boiler shell.
N NortonOGR Forum Member
Lead wheel weights also work well but are getting harder to find as some states have legislated against lead in weights. You can now get steel wheel weights if you can't find lead. Check your local motorcycle shop as these will be adhesive backed. If you have an iron or steel ladle you can get old wheel weights from a tire shop, melt them down and pour them into any shape that will fit including sheets.
Not a big deal as all you need is a ladle and propane torch.



Pete
CN christopher N&WOGR Forum Member
I've added tungsten weights to engines but they are pricey. I've been told that tungsten weighs more than lead. I wrap them in heavy duty velcro with sticky back and stick the loop part of the velcro to the inside of the engine. That way if I need to adjust something, I can rip the weight out.

Here is a link to the weights.
https://www.mi-techmetals.com/cart/

I have some brass engines that weigh more than my die cast engines.
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