Google Earth+Ebay = new project?

[nachoman]

I got the motor and gears in, and pickups added to all 6 drive wheels. I put a little lubrication on the moving parts, and put it on the layout for a test. It moved, but it was clear I had some dirty track. So I cleaned track and wheels, and it moved better - actually quite smooth when it was getting good electrical contact. So, I made pickups for the trailing truck, and now it runs MUCH better. The problem is, the way I designed the pickups for the trailing truck, if they apply enough pressure to the backs of the wheels to actually work, the wheels won't turn and instead will just drag. So, I will have to change the design.

But the best part is - the thing runs smooth, and it PULLS. Here is #2 on the 4% grade, easily pulling 6 hopper cars, a water car, and a caboose. The hoppers are all pretty light, but this is a big train for my layout.