Increase pulling power?

Hi -Looking for some advice please. I have a stock of some 10 or so old diesel locos which are in fair working condition and could easily. I think be cosmetically improved, so worth keeping I think.
I plan to continue to use a DC system.
Is there any way of increasing their pulling power- they do not come close to a new loco I have which zips up the 1 in 30 gradients I have on my layout pulling a decent long train-the older locos just about make the gradients essentially on their own! Perhaps their just aged and a bit knackered like me!
Is it worth changing the motors? If so to what?
I look forward to you kind assistance
Regards
Ian::pedal

Ian, a judicious addition of weight can help but you have to be careful that the motor does not overload & give off blue/black smoke.
I had to add about 160 grams into a new Hornby Class 73 - old Lima updated with the new motor bogie. This was before they re-issued them with traction tyres which is a backward step IMO.

Depending on the type of motor & I think, they used Ring Field, this method works well http://www.modeltorque.com.au/

Excellent -thanks for speedy reply -I'll try both of these ideas and if I'm unlucky with black smoke I'll call it a "heritage" loco!

Kind regards
Ian

Good thinking Ian.

[user=849]oldflemo[/user] wrote:

Excellent -thanks for speedy reply -I'll try both of these ideas and if I'm unlucky with black smoke I'll call it a "heritage" loco!

Kind regards
Ian

Most layouts have their fair share of "heritage" stock Ian ………………………:roll::roll::roll:

Hi Ian, as with all of these issues of running older locos it comes down to the amount of effort and money you are prepared to put in. I am assuming that they are all Hornby locos from the thread header and also assuming that they have been serviced, wheels, contacts etc cleaned, brushes renewed and they are still not pulling well? If that is the case I reckon it will come down to replacing motor or chassis with a more modern offering. There may be a technical solution for upgrading/increasing the power output of older motors but that is beyond me. Most old locos have traction tyres, so it might be worth renewing them and possibly adding more weight can stop slippage and add to traction. Here are some other suggestions:

Buy another old one off ebay, take out the motor and fit two power bogies to each loco - might work?

Convert to DCC and double head them!


If they are Lima it is possible to purchase replacement pancake motors that are significantly better than the originals and just pop into the housing. I can find the website if that is of use. afternote: just noticed Ron (Sol) has the link to the website on his comment.

Depending upon the type of loco it might be worth looking at the Hornby Railroad range, which has a number of common diesel types - Class 20, 31, 33, 37, 42, 47, 55, 73 and DMUs with upgraded motors. You could buy these and swap chassis, although for a few extra quid you could probably buy a new Bachmann version.

Vitrains produce Class 37 chassis quite cheaply.

You could look at Black Beetle and Maschimo replacements.

I doubt any of this helps you but at least you know we are scratching our heads. :hmm

Bob

I think the first and cheapest way to try is checking whether the traction tires are should be replaced and then add some weight. Ages ago I had Lima continental stock that did not pull enough on my too steep gradients. I replaced traction tires with new ones from Roco or Fleischmann (whatever fitted) and put some additional weight into theti locos, I think no more than 100g or even less. The new traction tires and the weight transformed the locos, pulling power increased and the weight seemed to improve pick up and slow speed running.

Thomas

Hi guys-thank you very much for these helpful and detailed replies.I will take your advice and let you know how they get on -suspect the loco scrapyard might seem a bit fuller tho!
Regards
Ian