Strongest Puller

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

hello forum,

for those of you that have the pw 681 and/or pw 736, which of the two would you say is the strongest puller on both inclines and at grade?

thanks,

bernard

2

I read your post, and then went down to my basement to find out. I have a couple of each, with both of my 736’s being in better shape than my 681’s.

The Berks started slipping with a consist of around 20 postwar cars. The 681’s made it to 25 before noticable slippage on the same part of my layout. My grades do not exceed 2%. I never realized it until today, but the 736 picks up more speed on a decline than the 681.

The 681 appears to be lower geared, plus it has smaller wheels. It can run at a slower speed than the 736 without stalling. The strength of the loco’s magnets and the condition of the motor will also affect the results. I’m not sure if there is a difference between the 671M-1 motor in the 681 and the 681-100 in the Berk.

Fasten your seatbelt…

3

My vote would be for the 681, although I have no test data to back it up. The smaller 681 drive wheels seem to give it more power. I don’t have any grades on my layout nor do I run long consists, so I can’t tell you about wheel slippage.

Earl

4

Sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw. My friend has a postwar 736 that pulls like nothing else I’ve ever seen, including all my postwar steamers and my F3 diesels.

I had to throw my FM Trainmaster against it to give it a decent fight. Can’t really explain why, that particular motor just happens to have mojo working for it.

I asked him to leave it to me in his will!

5

I am with Earl,

My 681 is a beast. Seems to nevwe slow down. Great engine.

JMHO,

Kev