I have an MTH 2-8-0 that threw a tire. The other tire looks fine, but should I go ahead and change it as well so they both have the same wear? I don't know that it matters, just wondering. Opinions?
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I would. Kind of like replacing a headlight once one goes the other usually isn’t far behind. Might as well replace both while you have it apart.
If your layout has curves in one direction only, the tire that is stretched the most will likely fail. You could even it out by running the train in the other direction. But, I agree, just change both.
I usually just change the one that fails. If the tire on the opposite side isn't cracked or dry rotted I leave it alone. There is no harm in just replacing the failed tire and leaving the other one alone if it is in good shape. As others have noted if you run the locomotive in one direction all the time then the tire that has more stress on it will fail long before the other tire will wear out.
