Securing a Loose Traction Tire

[Dave V]

That particular model doesn't generally seem to have loose TT problem.  I wonder if the traction tire is either the wrong size, or simply stretched out?  Maybe replace it with a fresh TT designed for that loco?  Or get one of the generic TTs that are available online?  I don't recall the specific details about that vendor, but @mmagliaro would likely have that info. I should really record that info somewhere next time Max mentions it.

I tightly fitting TT would IMO be the best solution (instead of mickey-mousing things with glue or paint).  Call me fastidious . . .

Must have gotten stretched somehow. I do have a junker 4-6-0 that can be a tire donor.

Isn't this very application why they made BullFrog Snot ?? I've been out so long I don't know if it's the right thing to use anymore so take my suggestion with a grain of salt.

It is, but my bullfrog snot turned to solid hard rubber in the Colorado climate. I'd rather not buy a whole new jar just for this.

[McKeen]

https://lovetrainhobbies.com/

[peteski]

https://lovetrainhobbies.com/

That's the traction tire place - thanks McKeen!

[Dave V]

So, before I stressed out too much about this, I thought it might be worth checking to see how necessary the traction tire even was. No wheel slippage here, and this is an 11 inch radius curve. Both prototypically and for the size of my layout, this is about the longest train I’m ever going to run on the upper level. So maybe I will tinker with the traction tire another time, but for next weekend’s train show in Pueblo, 27 will do just fine without it. The lack of grades on this layout certainly helps!

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[peteski]

Well, if the performance is acceptable without the TT, then by all means run it that way. The only thing is that the traction-tire-less driver's tread is likely not even touching the railhead (since it has a groove in it for the TT).  Still, if it works, it's all good.

[Dave V]

Well, if the performance is acceptable without the TT, then by all means run it that way. The only thing is that the traction-tire-less driver's tread is likely not even touching the railhead (since it has a groove in it for the TT).  Still, if it works, it's all good.

I know that's the risk, although since my layout is more curve than tangent, there's likely some part of the tread in contact with the rail most of the time...  But 5 cars and a caboose didn't phase 27 at all.

[peteski]

I know that's the risk, although since my layout is more curve than tangent, there's likely some part of the tread in contact with the rail most of the time...  But 5 cars and a caboose didn't phase 27 at all.

Well, like I mentioned, if it works, it's all good.  What I was worried about would be the driver being snagged by the railhead getting into the groove when entering or leaving a curve with slightly uneven track.  But again, with a short  wheelbase loco, that probably doesn't come into play.

[Dave V]

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[peteski]

That's beautiful Dave!  Life is good! 

[Dave V]

@peteski ,

I went ahead and replaced the traction tire anyway and secured it with a thin bead of canopy glue all around. I was able to recover a spare from the junker 4-6-0 without stretching it. Although the engine was running just fine without it, replacing it seemed like the a$$hat thing to do.   

Hopefully I can still keep my plaid membership level!

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[wm3798]

Being very much in McGuyver mode most of the time, I've solved this problem with a bit of Mod Podge, as it was  the material I had in hand at the moment.  I connect the motor up so it turns the wheels, and use a fine tip brush to apply an even bead of the goo into the groove of the wheel.  Then reinstall the tire.  Mod Podge, even when fully cured, has a soft surface.  I've actually applied a couple of coats in this circumstance to get back on the road while waiting for an order of traction tires to arrive.  Since it stays reasonably soft, it's easy to scrape out as well.
Lee

[peteski]

I went ahead and replaced the traction tire anyway and secured it with a thin bead of canopy glue all around. I was able to recover a spare from the junker 4-6-0 without stretching it. Although the engine was running just fine without it, replacing it seemed like the a$$hat thing to do.   

Hopefully I can still keep my plaid membership level!

Excellent move Dave! My  off to you! Not only you can retain your plaid membership, it is elevated to "platinum plaid", and you get a lifetime of sage advice from the TRW membership, with a dash of snarkiness from a certain member.