What is the best technique for traction tire storage?

No tricks here, I just buy/install as needed.  

 

As you said, losing battle to store them.  Save your money for other things.  

Just a passing thought or thinking out loud here, but could something like a cigar humidor help? I don't smoke so I don't really know anything about a humidor other than it is supposed to keep cigars fresh, but I don't even know for how long? From the name humidor, I am guessing it somehow keeps the humidity up so the cigars don't dry out?

 

Rich is on the right track. Put them in a sealed bag and remove as much air as you can. Oxygen in the air speeds the breakdown. Different compounds decay at different rates. The more natural rubber the faster it will decay. Not sure what the better compounds are. I do know that neoprene, while it will last a long time does not like to be stretched. 

My experience is Lionel rubber (traction tires, diaphrams) last a long time. K-Line's does not. The others are somewhere in between.

 

Pete

None of them last is the dry southwest air. Buy and replace as needed. Diesels are pretty standard so I always buy a dozen at a time to have on hand.

I wasn't speaking in terms of buying tires to store.  Over the years as I've acquired new engines I ended up with quite a collection of the included spares.  I was just curious if there was a way to make them less vulnerable of drying out.

Thanks
Rich

Many years ago, I learned a trick as a paper boy for storing the rubber bands so essential to my chosen profession.  I put the traction tires (still in their sealed bags if possible) in a glass jar with a tight sealing lid and keep the jar in the refrigerator.  I have kept traction tires in good shape for years waiting to be installed this way.

 

Rolland

 

Rich,

Years ago when I had my shop. I did the same thing as Rolland. The only exception was that I used a dark glass jar. Mine kept for years.

Rich the short answer is no. Just like tires on your car, they will dry out and split. Mine dry out and split from sitting on the shelves. Just one of those maintenance items.

If the material of the traction tires is neoprene, keep them in a sealed container, in a cool location(basement) and no overhead light exposure especially bulbs emitting ultraviolet light, I would anticipate using these traction tires in a 4 to 5 year cycle then reorder as necessary, keep older and newer order lots seperate, use up the older lot items first.