Hello all,
I have a few Tyco,Bachmann,and Life Like diesel locos that are missing traction tires.Does anyone know where I can get new ones that will last more than a few weeks?I have tried dental bands and they don’t last very long.Maybe someone knows a web site?
Thanx Carl[:)]
While waiting for a reply consider adding a little weight under those shells.
Stewart Industries – not the freight car/locomotive makes that were just bought by Bowser but the long standing firm that makes detail parts – sells replacement traction tires. Most are intended for AHM/Rivarossi steamers and you may have to experiement a bit to find ones that fit. I think they sell a mixed pack/assertment.
Dave Nelson
Right, Stewart Industries makes replacement traction tires for both steam and diesel locomotives. They even come on a tool that makes their attachment relatively easy because you just slide the tire off of their tool onto the wheel. Diesels are much easier than steam, because you don’t have to remove any side rods for the diesels.
Actually locos run better without those horrible things. Just add more weight to your loco. I think Stewart Hobbies manufature traction tires, but I’m not sure if they only fit their models. Search at Walthers for traction tires.
You can go to Ebay and search for old tyco and bachmann (standard) locos at very low prices ( 5.00 to 10.00US$) and scrap them for your spare parts needed.
My advice would be to start changing your loco stock by new all-drive ones. I started with those “things” and where a nightmare. Old Bachmann standard locos have a tendency to loose pulling power over time and their gears in their gearboxes will split in halve at anytime.
Actually the old Tyco’s have rutted wheels and would not run well at all on metal surface. I believe some of their old wheels were brass and not nickel.
I have used Stewart tires but they did not work well. I was later told that the tires had to be put on so tight that you would think they would snap. Not so, they were meant to go on undersized.
Regards
Fergie
ChooChin3
Is this HO scale?
If you don’t mind listing. How many of these locomotives do you have and in what road names?
Also, do you own any Athearn or Proto 2000 series locomotives?
just get a container of pliobond or silicone sealant, turn the loco upside-down, spin the wheels and apply, using a knife or straightedge to even out the application.
A little dab will do ya
I’m running my Allegheny minus the tires.
Is this your professional recommendation for the Allegheny??
Anybody??
biggest advantage isn’t just cost savings; you don’t have to remove the wheels; if not satisfied, just scrape it off.
Tried & true method used by many
Where do you get this pliobond ???
I can always practice on other wheels.
Pliobond Adhesive
Most of these engines are grooved pretty deep and the flanges bounce on the ties.I do have a few Athearn,and Proto2K locos they run,and pull great.But I had these locos laying around and wanted to run them.Thank you all for your replies,and ideas!AntonioFP45,I havequite a few of these engines,too many to list.Mostly F7s,GP20s,and Alco 430s.[:D]
I personally love traction tires. My Rivarossi FEF-3 has traction tires, and it can pull just as much as 2 KATO AC4400’s. Now THAT’S power.
RE Pliobond: I would be very hesitant to use Pliobond anywhere near the running gear of a locomotive. This stuff is like rubber cement on steroids. Nasty stuff. It is runny when wet, dries quicky, is solvent based (attacks plastic, probably paint as well). Has a habit of creating long strings like pizza cheese when an item is dipped into it and pulled out…(Ithinnk this characteristic would make it hard to spread it on a moving wheel)
I could see this stuff easily ruining a locomotive if it was to get into the mechanism…I would advise experimentation before use…
Guy