Caulmet N scale 1504 Traction Tire Tool

[Missaberoad]

Does any one know what is it and what exactly does it do?
I'm assuming its for applying traction tires but as for exactly how it works I'm stumped...

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Calmet-N-1504-Traction-Tire-Tool-for-Diesels-p/cal-1504.htm

[peteski]

The shape suggests that it might be used for pre-stretching the tire so it goes on easier (and the slowly settles in the groove as it contracts.  But you still have to take the truck apart to get the wheelset out for the TT removal and install.  I don't know what the piece of brass rod is for.

I seem to recall  similar tool (included with a package of universal traction tires) being sold decades ago. I think it was made by Stewart.

EDIT: Yup - I found it. It was made by Virnex and sold under STEWART name.  Looks identical to the Calumet one - Calumet is probably new incarnation of the company.  Here is a fuzzy photo showing the tool and the clear tires.

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[wcfn100]

I would guess that the brass is a tube used to push the tire off the mandrel onto the wheel.

Jason

[peteski]

I would guess that the brass is a tube used to push the tire off the mandrel onto the wheel.

Jason

Possibly. I guess that the assumption then is that all the Diesel locos use the same diameter wheels (which they usually do).  But what about the axle sticking out beyond the wheel face on most of the currently produced models (the low-friction axle-point design). Unless the coned mandrel has a hole in the other end then there will be a gap between the rod and the wheel.   Unless I'm missing something here (like reading the instructions) this tool seems to make the installation more complicated than just doing it with a pair of tweezers.

[wcfn100]

Jason