3rd Rail pickup - wheels vs 'tabs' ?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I’ve noticed both arrangements on the bottoms of various Lionels in pictures.

What’s the significance of one or the other. Does one work better or last longer …?

thanks

2

Rollers are generally considered to be the better choice overall, although I doubt that there’s a whole lot of difference between the two. Rollers are more replaceable and last longer than sliders. Sliders have more contact area, though.

In the past, most higher-end engines had rollers and lower end engines had sliders. Now, every engine that I know of being made has rollers.

3

Thanks - makes perfect sense.

4

Shoes/sliders also could snag on crossover/switch frogs.