I'd like to know who the Braindead Jackass was that introduced traction tires and grooved wheel sets on O gauge locomotives to begin with? Once upon a time back in the Good Old Days there was Lionel Magna-Traction (Reg.U.S.Pat.Off.) not to forget the heavy metal models manufactured by All Nation (for example), that could pull anything a model railroader could couple onto the drawbar.
Now today, in our ultra modern high tech complicated Century 21 world you pay Big Bucks for a super detailed locomotive that comes equipped with rubber tires for goodness sakes. A Ready-to-Run Rip Off from the Get Go if I ever saw one. No thanks, I prefer to pass!
Oldtimers well remember when Model Railroader magazine proudly carried the slogan, "Model Railroading is Fun" on the front cover. If you ask me (or even if you don't), Frustration has replaced the Fun in the hobby, with traction tires being found at the top of the list.
Remember to play it safe: Protect yourself, your loved ones, and the general public at large, by wearing a mask when you leave your home. The Lone Ranger always did!
