Traction Tire Replacement

[dougdagrump]

I have two Lionel diesels that are in need of new tires, FT A unit and a C-420, and the owner's manuals give no info. My steamers are are a breeze but I've never done the diesels so I'm looking for some help. There is not sufficient space between the trucks and the wheels to slip them on, does the truck need to be removed ? [%-)]

[Anonymous]

I can't answer your question directly, but here is an alternative that doesn't require you to dissasemble the engine.
.
After you remove the old tire and clean out the groove, get a tube of 100% silicone sealant. Not the kind with caulk, it will say 100% silicone. Either clear or black.

Place the loco upside down in a cradle or on a towel, and connect power to the rollers and somwhere on the frame. I use wire with alligator clips on each end, and clip one end to the track and one to the engine. Place a small amount of the silicone in the grooves and then slowly turn on the power. Hold a small knife or blade against the wheel, smoothing out the silicone to the proper depth. it takes a little practice, but its real easy, and if you mess up, just peel out the silicone and start over.

I find it works at least as well as the tires, doesn't slip, and lasts along time. A small tube will do dozens of engines, and the large tube is a lifetime supply.

[daan]

Personally I think you don't have to take off the trucks. Those tires are flexible, so you can stretch them a bit. By pushing the tire on its side between the wheel and the truck you'll only need a mm or two of space (that's 0.08 inch). If its on the wheel on top, slide the remaining part on it using a toothpick or something. A bit of trying will learn for the next time. If you put your engine in a piece of foam to hold it upside down when your busy fiddling, it's a lot easier.

[wrmcclellan]

Doug,

Some interesting alternatives above for you to consider. The standard process is to drop the truck assemblies (removing the motor is typical) and then removing the sideframes.

Lionel Supplement 45 (13 MB file from Lionel web site) shows the C420 truck assemblies. I believe a couple of screws hold the can motor assembly from the bottom. You can then lift the can motor out and this frees the truck assembly. There are 2 screws that hold each side frame casting. Once removed you can change the traction tires. Typically you do not have to remove any wires to do this. You will have to juggle the assembly a bit due to the wires.

Lionel Supplement 44 (11 MB) shows the FT assembly. Access to the truck side castings is similar.

Regards.

[dougdagrump]

I was hoping that I wouldn't have to dismantle it to replace them. [sigh]
Maybe in the future I'll just stick to STEAMERS ! [(-D]
If I have to essentially dismantle the trucks I might as well replace all of them at the same time. [B)]

[FJ and G]

dougdagrump,

Why not try Alt117's excellent idea. Others have used other substances (pliobond may be one). If you don't like the substance, you can simply peel it off. And as Alt117 suggests, a bottle will last thru many traction tires.

As the old Burma Shave ad said, A Little Dab Will Do Ya.