Kato GG1 Traction Tires

[nickelplate759]

Although I done a brief test on a loop track at home, on it's first real run yesterday my Kato GG1 threw BOTH traction tires within 20 minutes of pulling a full Broadway consist.      It took me a little while to notice why it it kept derailing, but it seemed to keep on pulling even with dangling tires.

I know I can buy replacements, but has anyone just ditched the tires completely?  Kato doesn't have replacement wheelsets for sale (they do offer tires) so I can't replace readily the grooved wheels.

Alternately, is there something I could have done to avoid the problem in the first place?  The engine had sat in its box a few years before being really worked out yesterday.

George

[mmagliaro]

Unless you get a repeat problem, I would chalk it up to the engine and tires sitting in a box for a few years, unused.

If it is a chronic problem, there are plenty of things you can do.  Just lift up the edge of the tire and put a drop
of ACC under there (gel type, so it doesn't set too quickly, and let the tire back down.  I have also had
good luck using Walthers Goo under there, or even some black paint.  Almost anything with a little "sticky"
that you place at 4-5 locations around the wheel under the tire will keep it from riding off.

[chicken45]

Max, would that Bullfrog Snot stuff work in a case like this? Does it ever work?

[mmagliaro]

Max, would that Bullfrog Snot stuff work in a case like this? Does it ever work?

You mean as an outright replacement for the tire?  Or slipped under the tire to keep it from coming off?

For the latter, it would probably work to keep the tire on there, but that's a really expensive solution
for something would essentially just be used as a glue.

As far as replacing the tire outright with multiple layers of Snot (to fill in the groove and then make a tire),
NO.   It would eventually build up and get a grip, but I would never replace the real rubber tire with BFS
because it simply does not grip as well as the rubber tire and you already have the hard part done: you have
the groove, and you don't even have any siderods to remove in order to put the tire on.

Honestly, this is not that hard a problem.  Just something a little sticky under that tire, and it will stay there.
It's better if you do it now, before the tire is thrown off multiple times and starts to get mangled and stretched.

[chicken45]

Just something a little sticky under that tire, and it will stay there.

"Max Magliaro recommends honey for use on traction tires."

Let's see how far this ship will sail!

[victor miranda]

Kato is out of tires?

[wcfn100]

Kato is out of tires?

They're on the restock list for December. Looks like the new electric uses them too.

Jason

[altohorn25]

I have the same issue with my kato GS-4.  I will try the paint method first and see if that works (super glue second). 

Thanks for the tip.

Nate

[peteski]

I have the same issue with my kato GS-4.  I will try the paint method first and see if that works (super glue second). 

Thanks for the tip.

Nate

Nate, the original GS-4 tires were somewhat soft and stretchy.  Order a new set of FEF/GS-4 tires from Kato. They seem to have changed their composition. They seem to be stiffer and don't come off as easily.

[mmyers]

I haven't had traction tires on my GG1's since they were about 20 minutes old. As a matter of fact, I had forgotten they were missing because they just keep pulling my Broadway limited with no noticeable loss of traction..

Martin Myers

[seusscaboose]

+1

[mighalpern]

has anyone tried to slip a  piece of shrink tubing on the wheel and heat it, so its tight and then I guess  trim it if needed?
I have always wondered if that was a viable thing to try.  I have the GS4 and have not throw a rubber yet, but....
thanks
Miguel

[peteski]

has anyone tried to slip a  piece of shrink tubing on the wheel and heat it, so its tight and then I guess  trim it if needed?
I have always wondered if that was a viable thing to try.  I have the GS4 and have not throw a rubber yet, but....
thanks
Miguel

There was a discussion just about doing this starting here: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=36661.msg436253#msg436253

[Frank Klein]

I am using the Bull Frog Snot for my GS-4 as it came of and using it for my set of FoxValley GP60 to get up the grade!
And must say it really works.

[chicken45]

So... MY GG1 also threw both traction tires also!
It was from one of the first runs.
I can't seem to find replacements. Would any other tires work?