I recently purchased a Kato USRA 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado Engine. It is a fine looking piece of railroad equipment and I am very happy with the way it sounds and runs except for one problem. The engine will only pull about 3 cars up a 2.0 % grade before spinning out. This is a problem that has plagued this engine and requires a driver with traction tire to correct it. Unfortunately, I now find that Kato does not have them in stock and other suppliers I have contacted also don’t have them.
Does anyone out there know where I might purchase the Mikado driver with traction tire (part # 11-604)?
Have you considered “Bullfrog Snot?” It’s a liquid which you can paint on a set of drivers to create a traction tire effect.
I’ve never used it myself, but others have said it works. I’d assume it needs occasional re-application, but it’s a lot easier than dis-assembling a steamer and replacing drivers.
Sounds interesting. I’ll give it a try. Actually, as you may know, replacing the driver on this particular engine is easy but painting sounds good too. Thank you
I called Kato and the person I talked to said there were no plans at this time to manufacture more of the traction drivers. Just to make sure I also followed up with a letter to them and am waiting for a reply.