[Chinahand]

Hi Raider.

You don't say which loco is giving the problem so it's difficult to give a precise answer though I suspect it may be the Peco Collett Goods which is notoriously bad in the pulling power stakes.

The generally recommended method is to fix a small piece of lead into the offending loco/tender. This can either be an off-cut piece from some lead flashing or some fishing weights. Alternatively, and if space is at a real premium (which it usually is in N Gauge) try getting hold of some small shot-gun cartridge lead which will allow you to spread the weights around evenly in any little nooks and crannies. A touch of Araldite will hold it in place. Trial and error is the order of the day to get the optimum balance between additional grip/traction and additional weight.

Another alternative is to remove the artificial coal from the top of the tender, fix a false base into the recess with some lead fixed to that and then cover the whole lot up again with some real crushed & seived coal fixed in place with some good old PVA/water/meths/washing-up liquid mix. A bit like ballasting. Go easy on the water though and seal the false base to prevent water getting to the motor & chip.

Hope this helps,

Expat.

 

[Chinahand]

Hi Raider,

You're right. There's not a lot of space in the Collett Tender.

I've read somewhere on this forum that liquid lead should be avoided at all costs. Can't remember why but there must be a good reason. I suspect it might slosh around and gunge everything up for one thing but I think it was more to do with the chemical properties of the stuff.

The best I can suggest for this particular loco is to use plasticine. Fill in the underside of the tender with a thin layer. There's about 1.5 mm between the top of the motor and the underside of the tender body. You can get a small piece of lead into the water tank dome which is directly above the chip and hold it in place with some plasticine. Remove the small foam pad and replace that with plasticine also. Put some insulating tape over the chip to protect it though. You might also be able to get a bit into the corners of the tender body.

If this isn't enough weight then I'm afraid it's going to have to be surgery on the artificial coal as suggested before. The loco might be £120 but, if it does all go wrong, it's only the tender body that will need replacing which should not be prohibitive.

Let me know how you get on,

Expat.

 

[Chinahand]

Hi again Raider,

I've just had another look at my own Collet and it seems to me that, with care, the 'coal' can be ground down smooth with a Dremel and then a thin piece of lead sheet installed before 'refilling' over the top. That way you are not affecting any of the innards though you could also still glue a small lead weight inside the water tank dome without impinging into the chip space.

Cheers,

Expat.