replacing traction tire on Lionel MPC GP9

Time to break out the dental hooks and roll the tire on.

The sideframes are staked on- you aren't just removing a screw and they come off.

Thanks, Vernon. That's what I figured would be the case but thought it best to ask here. The dental picks are ready.

I've tried this and no luck. The only thing I've succeeded at is ruining a tire. When you say "roll the tire on," what does that mean?

I've replaced tires on steamers with no problems, but this GP9 is a real challenge. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

It requires the truck to be well lubed and smooth so that it is back drivable- meaning by hand, the other axle- you can slowly with pressure roll the wheel.

I do the following:

#1 clean the wheel with cotton swabs and alcohol. This is both for the new tire to grip the rim, but also provides lube for the tire to roll onto the wheel while stretching over the edge. The alcohol rapidly evaporates leaving the fresh tire evenly stretched over the circumference of the wheel and gripping tight.

#2 I wet the new traction tires in alcohol (a few drops in the cup of my hand) just before stretching on.

#3 I use the metal rod or tool to push the tire down and catch the lower half of the rim. Then spin the wheel forward while following and pressing on the seated portion of the tire and eventually you roll the tire onto the entire wheel.

It's definitely a skill and yes, It's possible and even likely, you may damage a tire. The downside to the EDIT hard to service design.

@BlueComet400 posted:

I've tried this and no luck. The only thing I've succeeded at is ruining a tire. When you say "roll the tire on," what does that mean?

I've replaced tires on steamers with no problems, but this GP9 is a real challenge. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

At that French store, aka Harbour De La Freight,  they sell a nice set of blunt end pick tools, believe it or not, they’re actually over where they keep the wood carving tools,….however, they make great tire irons……like Vern says, get the tire over the top, hold it there with one tool, then stretch it around the wheel with another tool,…..a Royal PITA no matter how you slice it…..

Pat

Thanks guys.......we have a Harbor Freight near my office, and I'll stop and look for those tools tomorrow. This is one repair job that really has me stumped, so I really appreciate the tips. Worst case scenario, I'll use Bullfrog Snot. Unlike several people here, I've had good luck with it. I use it only when a traction tire isn't a viable option, such as with my Williams brass locos or in this case, if I simply cannot figure out how to install the tire.

I just ordered a product called Bullfrog Snot.  I know. I know.  You apply the liquid to a slowly moving wheel.  It forms a film on the wheel.  Tomorrow i get to test this out on a friends layout, stay tuned.

Follow up on bullfrog snot, it was worth it.  Traction is much improved.   Let's see how this holds up over time.  The up side is the bottle should last forever.

@necrails posted:

Follow up on bullfrog snot, it was worth it.  Traction is much improved.   Let's see how this holds up over time.  The up side is the bottle should last forever.

It's been my experience that BFS has a very short shelf life after you break the seal. Storing the jar in a zip-lock bag might help. BFS is a very polarizing product around here. In my opinion, it's a last resort. If you can get a tire that fits and install it, that's the way to go. I used to use it on my Williams brass steam locos, but now that I have learned how to trim the tire after installing it so it fits in the narrow groove, I doubt I'll ever use BFS again. As for the GP-9 referenced in this thread, I shipped it off to Henning's Trains, and they installed the tires and checked everything over for me. I gave the loco to a friend who is starting out in the hobby, so I wanted everything to be right before I gave it to him.

@BlueComet400 posted:

It's been my experience that BFS has a very short shelf life after you break the seal. Storing the jar in a zip-lock bag might help. BFS is a very polarizing product around here. In my opinion, it's a last resort. If you can get a tire that fits and install it, that's the way to go. I used to use it on my Williams brass steam locos, but now that I have learned how to trim the tire after installing it so it fits in the narrow groove, I doubt I'll ever use BFS again. As for the GP-9 referenced in this thread, I shipped it off to Henning's Trains, and they installed the tires and checked everything over for me. I gave the loco to a friend who is starting out in the hobby, so I wanted everything to be right before I gave it to him.

Appreciate the tip.  Both locos are 20 plus year old kline products.   Tires may be out there but the BFS was easier to find and it works.  If I never use it again it was still worth it given the performance improvement.   It seems to be a cost effective alternative.