Having moved from a large house with a full loft layout to a smaller house my new layout has been hit with compromises. After much re-designing I have settled on a 2 level layout but on testing have hit snags on the inclines. When I moved I cleared out most of my older tender drive locos as the newer ones are more authentic but I have found out to my cost they won't pull the skin off a rice pudding! Its fine to double head some locos as they did so in the steam era but to consider this for an A4 or a Coronation class is out of the question. With this huge obsticle in my way I decided to find a way round this and have designed a traction improver which on a normal circuit will allow 20 coaches to be pulled effortlessly around the track. On my steep incline my Jubilee would just about hit the summitt with 6 coaches which I felt did not reflect the real thing.I have read on many sites the critisism of pulling power since lead weights have been reduced to make way for DCC chips. With the "traction improver" I can haul 13 coaches up the incline which is more in keeping with vintage steam reality.I have approached one of the big 4 last year ( before the current credit crisis) and they were interested.However they now believe to be profitable and to make the tooling etc. it would need to retail around £50 and they are uncertain if there is a market out there now. I would be interested in the views of the Forum members as I believe this site acts as a good Barometer for views
I have recorded a video (its not wonderful) showing the pre & after traction improvement and it also shows the steepness of the incline and full loading so views would be appreciated as to whether I should go to market or just enjoy my "toy" myself
I have recorded a video (its not wonderful) showing the pre & after traction improvement and it also shows the steepness of the incline and full loading so views would be appreciated as to whether I should go to market or just enjoy my "toy" myself