I’ll start off by saying that I’m sorry to keep asking so many questions!!! I was wondering if a small transformer would cause a train pulling 10 cars to not have pulling power. I have a 40 or 50 watt (small two post blue) transformer. I am using it for now to run a Lionel SD60 w/ command pulling 10 cars. It will run fine w/o the cars. All lights are bright and it tears around the track not problem. Then I load the cars and the lights are dim and it goes maybe half it’s empty speed but seems like the longer I run it the slower it gets. The first 4 cars are (1) k-line log dump (about 4lbs) and (3) mth metal trucks and hauling cars (about 2.5 or 3lbs). The rest are the cars that came with my old set with plastic trucks metal wheels and weigh hardly a thing. Is my engin the problem or the power source? Thanks!!!
My best guess is that with ten cars and the command SD60, you are a little short on power. You may want to try to find a transformer that is a bit larger. Lionel 1033’s are nice little transformers that are rated at 90 watts. (ususally not too expensive either)
I am sure others will chime in with their opinions.
It sure is power problem. I have a Lionel SD60 with TMCC and Railsounds. Love it. Will pull a train as long as you can put on track. Mine is pulling 15 hoppers full of real coal and a caboose. Mine is a real good sounder too. Loud. Get more power and you will love it. In fact it is sitting on my track coupled to all of those hoppers right now [and I have a lot of Lionel TMCC diesels].