The traction tire on my HO FEF-3 came off and I can’t figure out how to get it back on. Here’s a pic:
Sorry about the glare, I couldn’t figure out how to turn the stupid flash off[;)]. The little loop coming off of the main driver is the traction tire. Thanks in advance![:)]
Get it started on the top of the driver, then work both sides to the bottom. Do it gently, you may want to use a small flat bladed screwdriver to help, especiallu at the bottom.
You are lucky it didn’t break, because you would have to remove the side rods to get a new one on.
When the traction tire came off of my Allegheny, I used a couple of toothpicks to
work it back into place. Dave
I’m still running one tire on my Allegheny on level track.
And…
Make sure you don’t have a twist in the tire when you get it back in place. Dave
Have you gotten it back on yet Jonathon? I’m not sure what’s up with the photo, it worked yesterday wen you first posted it, then it quit.
Sorry guys, I was on vacation. I haven’t tried to get it back on yet, but thanks for the tips. Funny thing is, I never saw the tire before it came off, which leads me to think it was in a different place…
I peeled both traction tires off my Allegheny didn’t notice it until she started having problems hauling a 50 car consist up the 5% grade. Had to remove the side rods to put new ones on.
Oh the Horror!
I’ve had a fair bit experience doing this Jonathin, However not without much anguish. If you do have to replace the traction tires and your not quite sure how to haul the beast apart then I would suggest you get someone with some experience on the first time. Once shown it will be a fairly simple task.
Regards
Fergie
Well I got it back on and 844’s running as we speak. I used a flat head screw driver to wrap it around the driver while my finger held it in place. Thanks for all the help guys!
Well done Jonathon. Now keep an eye on that, because once it’s done that, it’s likely to do it again. The only difference is, now you are an expert at fixing it.[swg]
'Tire’s are a cheap way to get pulling power. Adding weight is better.
But Adding weight puts strain on cheap motors.
Tires also reduce electrical pickup.
Tires also - over time need replacement
Adding weight can screw up quartering of pressed-on wheels (Steam)
Your dollars - your choice.
OMYGOD, Fergie, you’ve got a 5% grade? And the Allegheney wouldn’t hack it with only 50 cars? And here, I thought I was okay when my Allegheney rolled off of its tires up a 2.4% with only 30 cars and didn’t even wobble. Seriously, I didn’t even notice a drop in pulling power when I lost the traction tires, I wonder if it’s the same for the UP 4-8-4? Out here in California, in our garages in the wonderful balmy (103) summer Central Valley heat, you’re taking your life in your hands if you run a traction-tired locomotive for very long. I have to be VERY careful, even with the fan on.
But I see from Jonathan’s address that he lives in a colder climate. Just hope his traction tires don’t freeze and shatter off this winter. By the way, Jonathan, LOVE the quote at the bottom of your E-mail. I’m using it at school, this year, hope you don’t mind.
Most of us aren’t big fans of tracton tires, but some manufacturers insist on putting them on their models. I’m with you, I wi***hey didn’t. Atlas and Athearn come to mind quickly as ones that don’t.
The problem is that if the engine is designed for tires, then you’re sort of stuck with them. Leaving them off isn’t really an option, because the wheel is milled down to accept the tire.
In the end maybe the best option is to avoid buying those models that have tires. If we as consumers don’t buy those models, eventually the manufacturers will get the message. However, the models with tires are usually the most affordable. Pick your poison.[swg]
Well, the FEF-3 did come with an extra set of drivers without the traction tire on it.
Nope, I don’t mind at all! Just out of curiosity, what will you be using it for?