How many cars can a Marklin F7 pull on level track? Is there any difference in pulling power between 3 and 5 pole motors?
The locos were designed to run small trains. Many have been successful with possibly 10 or so, *with metal wheels*. Micro-Trains rolling stock could be 8 or so less. Its not the 3 or 5 pole motor, its the traction.
Track curve radius plays a factor too. I have a few exposed wheel 5 pole Marklins and noticed that longer 4 axle or heavier cars and tight radius curves would really slow the train, even though the drive wheels are merrily spinning away. My WAG for 195mm or less curves would be about 7 cars with no spinning. So 10 on a more open track maybe. Definitely hard to predict. It's amazing how many more cars a loco with traction tires can pull.
