HO 2-8-2 USRA Light Mikado 63" Drivers

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m looking to improve the tractive effort of my Trix USRA Light Mikado 2-8-2 using RP25 drivers with traction wheel set(s). Does anyone have a suggestion on how or where to acquire 63" Drivers with traction tires? I’ve contacted Walther’s, and they will not sell me a set from their new Proto 2000 USRA Heavy 2-10-2, and Broadway Ltd. is difficult to contact (referencing their USRA Light & Heavy 2-8-2 Mikado’s). Help!!!

2

SeeBee,

Did you try contacting Marklin/Trix directly with your request/need? They may have some 63" drivers that can be substituted. Worth a call or e-mail…

Tom

3

http://www.greenwayproducts.com/a_drivers.shtml

Greenway sells some drivers. I don’t know about traction tire drivers. Might try calling them.

4

I don’t know of ANY company that sells replacement drivers with channels in them for traction tires. You’ll either have to cannibalize an engine that does have them, or machine in the grooves yourself. Either that or try looking for STEEL wheels; they adhere better than even TT-equipped drivers.

5

Tom,

Lucky for me, my local hobby shop (Sommerfelds, BayView WI) was able to acquire a set of Marklin Mikado 63" drivers w/traction tires… Perhaps the last set in WI, much less the U.S. Despite these drivers not conforming to RP25 standards (Euro standards w/slightly higher flang & wider wheels), diameter was maintained. These wheels are gliding through code 83 switches & crossovers with no problem. I’ve even run the engine on code 70 track with no problem.

While I’ve been able to add a little weight (1 oz), tractive effort from these Marklin traction tires has more than doubled. Tonight I was able to pull 26 cars of varying lengths & weight up the clubs steepest & tightest turn without poblem, at medium speed. Next time I’ll try 31 cars. This little engine is going to see plenty of road work. Now I need to work on acquiring spare parts.

Seabee

6

Ray,

You and Tom are the best, and I really appreciate the input. As I wrote to Tom, I acquired Marklin 63" drivers with traction tires which more than doubled the engine’s tractive effort.

I really like your suggestion regarding steel wheels. The adherance properties of 8 steel drivers could easily eclipse the tractive effort gained by only one set of traction tires. This is brilliant!!! Now for the big question??? Who manufactures steel wheel driver sets? Would steal wheels damage (scratch /etch) model rail?

Thanks again,

Seabee

7

Appreciate the suggestion. I’ll inquire with Greenway Products if they manufacture steel wheels.

8

Seabee,

Thanks for reporting back on your success. That is encouraging and exciting news. Keep us posted as to whether you are able to find steel wheels for your Trix Mike. My one concern would be matching the boxpok-type wheels of the prototype. I don’t know if replacement wheels would give you that option.

Tom