DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET PARTS FOR A TYCO LOCOMOTIVE …I HAVE 1AND THE FRONT DRIVE WHEEL IS BAD 1 SIDE IS METAL THE OTHER IS PLASTIC WITH A RING OF SOME TYPE… THE RING HAS BROKEN…
IF NOT ANYIDEAS CAN I REPOWER IT
I’d guess that the ring you refer to is a traction tyre - is is rubber and is there a groove in the wheel it fits into? If so, it’s still possible to buy these from some suppliers, though it’ll be a case of finding one that fits rather than an “official” Tyco one. Other spares will probably need you to look at eBay or train shows for “spares or repairs” locos. I’m not sure how these locos are built but it might be possible to swap the plastic tyred wheel for a metal one (obviously it would need to be insulated to avoid shorting out) which would help keep your track cleaner. You’d need to add extra ballast weighting but it would be worth the effort if you want to keep this loco working. Hope this is of some help!
Tyco’s been out of the toy trains market for years. You’ve got four choices:
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spend lots of time calling/going to hobby shops, asking if they’ve got Tyco parts (not likely).
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go to a swapmeet, look for a junker Tyco engine with traction tires, and swap 'em out yourself.
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go to the Walthers website, look for traction tires, buy one of each, and see which one fits.
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throw the Tyco POS away, and buy a better engine that pulls without traction tires. Trainworld has high-quality P2K diesels on blowout for $29.99.
I suggest #4 for a repower as well. If you MUST have that exact diesel, then remove the shell, throw away the mechanism, and look for an Athearn or P2K diesel that the shell will fit onto. You’ll have the “same engine”, but it’ll run 3000% better. (Tyco never did make a decent diesel…)
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Hello Digger and Welcome Aboard!
Can you please give us some details. What type of locomotive is it? Does it have sentimental value to you?
The reason I’m asking is because Tycos (I owned some myself) are often not worth the money to repair. If for example, you have an F unit diesel, you can get a similar better detailed version from Athearn for under $30 that will run much smoother and pull heavier trains.
But it would be very helpful to us if you could tell us about
[1] Your modeling interests
[2] Types of locomotive and cars you already own.
[3] If you have a layout or plan to build one.
[4] Just started or have been at it for a few years.
Many of the guys here “Literally” have a wealth of info that they’re more than happy to share, so by answering some of the above questions we would be much better able to point you in the right direction.
Cheers and High Greens!
Try Tommy Gilbert’s Hobby shop in Gettysburg, PA - I stop in there sometimes when I’m in the area; Tommy stocks a lot of increasingly hard-to-find Mantua and MDC parts. Don’t have his phone number but you can Google him or check out his ads in MR.
regards,
There are traction tires out there that will fit, however they come in two different widths tho. One was for the powered tenders, the other was for the diesels. There is also a tool that you can purchase to help install them too.
Digger,
I haven’t been in Tommy’s shop for a few months, but his business card lists his Email address as:
tghbyshp@cvn.net
Hope this helps.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
Digger,
I had the same problem with my Tyco’s. Take the loco to your LHS. They may have traction tires. Mine did. They cost about $5 for 6-8 tires!!! LHS guy told me that sometimes rubber bands for braces will work.
I have 5 Tyco loco’s. All garage sale finds. I know they are junk. I pay no more than $5 for them. But I have two young sons that are rough with the trains. I will invest in some P2K’s when the boys are older and fincances allow.
Good Luck.