What is the difference between the Postwar and Modern magnetraction?
My Wabash GP-7, #2337, from the 50’s you almost need a crowbar to get off the tracks but my R.I. GP-7 from the early 2000’s is not near as strong. Consequently it does not have near the traction = pulling power. [%-)]
My experience is strengths vary in both postwar and modern era geeps, F3’s and Trainmasters. I’m sure it has to do with who they get their magnets from. Postwar magnets weakened over time I understand. I have a modern era MP geep with magnetraction that is just as strong as my strongest postwar geep. The same goes for a pair of 1991 LTI F3’s.
John…You are making a terrific observation about magnets. I have read or heard that one of the great leaps in technology that hasn’t been really trumpeted is that magnets have become much stronger due to improved metallurgical manufacturing techniques.
I know, I know I’m watching the Discovery Channels too much again. [:)]
Rubber is supposed to have improved too. Yet my 50 year old AF Challenger still has its origional traction tires and has seen a lot of run time. Yet, I’m always breaking them on newer engines except Williams.