Question on changing traction tires

[okiechoochoo]

I just purchased a Lionel PWC F3 and upon reading the manual I learn the unit should be taken back to a Lionel Service Center to have the traction tires changed.  I tried to look at the engine and from what I can see the truck side frames appear to be rivited on, not screwed on like postwar F units.  Is this true, you can't even change the traction tires yourself.  Why do they bother to put spares in the box?  Is this true with other makes such as Williams and MTH.  Thanks

[otftch]

I usually just feed the tire up and around the wheel with the truck sides in place.It takes a little finagling but usually works well. You just have to make sure the tire stays in the groove.Start with the top of the wheel (up in the truck side)and gently roll the tire onto the bottom.Here's a tip,Lionel traction tires fit MTH diesels and last much longer.

                                                                                                         Ed

[iguanaman3]

from what I can see the truck side frames appear to be rivited on, not screwed on like postwar F units. 

I believe the sideframes are riveted to a removeable top plate like the later (2383 type) postwar F-3's. If you can't get the tires on with the frames on you can remove the motor from the truck and pull the frames off from the top of the truck. Be careful of the wires to the pickup and couplers that will be in the way though.

Neil

 

   

 

[phillyreading]

With Williams it is very easy to change traction tires on the diesel engines, just take the top off and then take the motor out from the truck assembly, may have to take a couple more screws out of the plastic end plates that have the simulated brakes on it.    For the steam locomotives by Williams I think you just drop a side rod and can replace the traction tire very easy.

Lionel likes to say to take everything to the service center no matter how small a project it is, even replacing a light bulb.

Lee F.