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That's true, but when dealing with 10-20 year old engines availability is problematic. Tires produced when the loco was manufactured are aged and probably not viable.

 

There is a big population of aging locomotives... this must be a business opportunity. I have a big population of locos that are crippled.

 

When I look at new locos I am tempted, but I know they will be crippled within ten years or so. There must be a source of new tires...

Problem is if you find OEM tires (like for Williams brass or Weaver engines) they're going to be old, I don't know what the shelf life is for rubber tires.

You can get tires from Atlas, MTH, Lionel, and 3rd Rail, but finding THE tire that fits your engines may be hit or miss.  You may have to trim the width of them to get them to sit in the groove on the wheel.

Dennis posted:

I use silicone rubber sealant.  I can send you instructions and tips for using.  Two examples of product are attached.

 

Imperial Silicone SealantLoctite Silicone Sealant

Silicone is the way to go!  As rubber tires age - they become loose.  As silicone ages - it just hugs  tighter to the wheel.  On one of the sites - an operator stayed first thing he did when he received a new loco was cut the rubber tires off and put the silicone on.

 

 

" . . . . you don't have to wait for several layers to dry."

"If you use anything but, then it will get costly to have someone do it right."

Silicone rubber sealant goes on in one layer.  You don't need to pay anyone to replace it to "do it right".  If you are queasy about doing this, only do it if you can't find a tire for an old engine.  This procedure is not recommended for drivers without a tire groove, and you do have to let it dry overnight.

To avoid flat spots, on your storage tracks just lay a thin board like an ice cream stick on the inside of your rails and drive the engine over them to park sitting on its flanges.

Dennis

Put on a new tire and put your train on the track and run it for many years.  People can use what they want.  I wish everyone the best.  I have a large number of engines and new tires are the rule.  Anyone who comes to me with bad or missing tires will only get a new tire.  I do not know anyone who does repairs that will use anything but a tire.  

I've read about those that Do the other methods and only been tempted ( noticed I said tempted) once and that was on an earlier  Lionel engine where you had to squeeze ( and I mean squeeze) the tire between the outside of the wheel and the inside of the truck. I have tires of about any-size Lionel or Williams has done. Now how good are they after 10+ years ( some of them) but here new in there plastic bag. I haven't run my engines enough to wear them out. now old age and cracking could be a problem. But I still prefer the tires. 

Traction Tire Failure CausesTraction Tire Issue

I have found that replacement traction tires stay put on the wheels and last longer when they are one size smaller than the original size. I tried using crazy glue to secure traction tires, but it did not work very.

Lately, I have been thinking about using rubber bands for replacement traction tires Maybe electrical shrink tubing will work? Has anyone tried these alternative materials?

 

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  • Traction Tire Failure Causes
  • Traction Tire Issue

I find that the most difficult units to replace traction tires on are diesels, subway, trolley cars and unit trains like the Zephyrs. Typically it is necessary to remove the truck side frames to get at the tires.

It is relatively easier to access and replace traction tires on steam locomotives because it usually involves the removal of 2 drive rod screws, one on each side of the engine. The tricky part is fishing  traction tires between closely spaced drivers.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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