Skip to main content

Reply to "The Bane of Traction Tires!"

Charlie posted:

I run streamline steam passenger (name trains) and the rubber band is absolutely needed.

I'm sorry but I respectfully disagree.  The problem some people encounter with passenger cars is excessive drag from the pick-ups for lighting, etc.  There was at least one series of MTH heavyweights with defective trucks that caused excessive drag.  I also think that car interiors are a needless extravagance.  Unless  your layout is up near eye level, or the roofs are removable, they're not worth the added weight and manufacturing cost, which would be better spent on other engineering enhancements (see below.)

One "out-of-the-box" approach that would render the tires unnecessary, would be to retrofit roller bearing truck sets and battery powered lighting to each car.  No more drag from pick-ups, and much less drag starting and rolling.  Replacing the bearings on the trucks of your favorite passenger consist would be a one-time, lifetime effort.  No more tires!!  In the meantime, I would make sure your wheels turn as freely as possible and your axle bearings are properly lubricated.

If you don't want to put battery lighting in each car, you could switch to LED's and remove the pickups from all but the first car.  A tether would carry the low-current, low-voltage lighting to the remaining cars.  Again, this would be a one time effort, and now a tireless loco would pull your train easily.  A little wheel-slip at startup is very realistic and adds interest.  Unfortunately, by fitting tires and permanent grooved wheels the manufacturers have denied us this pleasure.

May I ask, how steep are your grades?  The tires are a nuisance but the manufacturers keep adding them because people have unrealistic expectations.  If you think you need the tires, fine, but personally I'm not buying another steam loco until they retool and give us the choice to fit smooth tires.

Last edited by Ted S

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

×
×
×
×
×