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1. Instability of static magnets in repel mode: when the train was placed on the track, like poles (South) repelled each other lifting (levitating) the train. However, the repulsion forces made the train unstable “pushing it sideways” and away from the track. The plastic angles fixed to the track acted like a fence, preventing the train from ‘derailing’. Quarters glued to the train on the side acted as spacers keeping it steady and facing the magnet strips on the track thereby keeping it floating. My hypothesis was correct but some adjustments had to be made to keep the train stable.
2. Force of the magnet related to its weight: the circular magnet attached to the train propelled it the farthest from the driver magnet at the end of the track.  It was smaller than the rectangular magnet, yet a lot stronger for its size and weight. The smallest magnet was the lightest and added the least weight, but its magnetic force compared to its weight was lower than the circular magnet's. So my hypothesis was wrong.  I learnt that when the magnetic force in a magnet is proportionally greater than its weight, it more than cancels out the weight effect.
3. Adding weight and resistance to train: with the Lego passengers on the top of the train, we added weight and little air resistance or drag.  The weight and drag was minimal because the Lego passengers were lighter, smaller and train moved at a very slow speed.  Due to the drag there was 1-2 cms difference (with vs without Lego passengers) in the distance traveled by the train irrespective of the magnet. Now I can imagine how much drag and resistance a real train and its driver magnets will have to overcome running at speeds of 300 miles per hour.