C W Burfle posted:The same issue exists on my 1055 which has dual powered axles, no magne-traction and no traction tire, grooved wheels! Honestly, what were they thinking on these two engines? Had to be cost cutting!!!!!
The 1055 was sold in rock bottom priced sets that weren't even cataloged. There are several other low end ALCO's that followed, also in low end sets. I guess they were the "scouts" of the diesel line. Better quality ALCO's were generally in the catalogs.
The reason I am very interested in improving my 1055 is that it has the tightest drive train I have ever seen on a Lionel diesel - Almost NO slop in the gears or the bearings. I intend to keep it that way, plus add some traction to it for a great little puller/pusher.
OK, quiz time - what's the difference between these wheels?
The two on the right are traction tire wheels, courtesy of two very generous lads on this forum - thank you again!! The one on the left is a plain wheel, straight out of Jeff Kane's parts bins, and appears to be totally unused (no spline marks inside the hole.) So what's with the "spokes" on the two right wheels?
