MTH - Traction Bands (the rubber band things that go on the engine wheels)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

We just purchased a MTH E8 AA +Diesel Set. In our efforts to get the train running, we tried pushing the engine along the track. Those rubber band traction bands (or whatever they are called), kept coming off and jamming in the outer skirt.

Anyway, what is the proper term for these traction bands and are they something I can get at a local MTH dealer or is it better to find them online? Also, do you recommend buying many (2 or 3 sets) for future use or should I buy them as needed… I assume they will dry rot eventually.

Rich

2

What you are having trouble with are properly called traction tires. There should be some in the “standard kit of parts” that most hobby shops purchase when they become MTH dealers, so your local hobby shop will probably have a couple in stock. I would suggest that you buy one size smaller in diameter than what came with your engine and they won’t come off nearly as easily. You can go ahead and buy a couple of sets of them, but you probably won’t need to replace them again for a while.

Hope that this helps.