Quote from: Trainman203 on December 17, 2018, 11:05:59 AM
Keep the car weights.  You may want them later. Longer trains on curves and switching operations will require them.

Absolutely, all kept, just in case!

Great info all, thank you!

Quote from: RAM on December 14, 2018, 11:58:00 PM
Those metal plates are there for a good reason.  Yes it may the car lighter, but you will also have more derailments.

True, I was expecting this as a side effect and I tested. So far, not one derailment in at least 3-4 hours of continuous run, even at full speed.  

I got my 2nd pier set and I reduced the slope as suggested and traction improved quite a bit.
I also managed to couple the two locomotives I have together and to add to the fun I took some of the cars apart and noticed they have metal ballast (metal plates) and removed some to make them lighter. Now I have a setup with 2 locomotives, 2 tenders and 5 cars that are climbing the slope just fine!

Thanks for all the help!

Yes, I already have a large figure 8 with plenty of space to double up the piers.
Thanks!

Got it, thanks again guys!

Len and Rich, thanks for the great suggestions.
I think solution #3 will work for me as I noticed others suggested the same thing on Amazon reviews for the pier set. The incline with only one set is too much for the 0-6-0 I have. I am buying a second set of piers and will add shims.

Len, about the #4 suggestion: you said a heavier 6 wheel will be better... I thought my 0-6-0 is a 6 wheel drive... It looks like the 3 axles are moving together making it an all 6 wheel drive.
Rich, about coupling locos, it might not work with the one I have as the front coupler looks like it's not functional, no moving parts as the ones for cars connections (E-Z Mate couplers), but good idea.

Alex

Hello all,
Newbie here with a basic question as the title says...
I purchased a set of Pacific Flyer, some extra track and a pier set and I did a figure 8 with an overpass and the steam loco 0-6-0 is spinning wheels and stalls on the incline with anything more than the tender and the lightest car (red car) behind it. It works great on the level track, even with all cars. The incline is determined by the piers, one at each connection as per instructions. The pier set is a Bachmann Trains 14 PC. E-Z TRACK Graduated Pier Set. Any ideas on how to improve traction?
Thanks!