I have a Broadway 2-8 steam engine that has a set of traction tires on it. I've had the engine for over 2 years now on the same track pulling the same exact cars. The track has a 2% grade on one section of the display. I've never had a problem with it till this year. About half way up the engine starts slipping now. The display is part of a museum that only runs on Saturday and Sunday for about 6 weeks out of the year during the Christmas holiday season about 3 hours each day. It also runs once a month throughout the year on special events for maybe an hour or two during those times. The track is cleaned each weekend before opening with denatured alcohol. The cars runs smoothly and freely.
What could be the cause of the slipping now?
Nothing has changed. Its the same cars, the same grade, the same weight being pulled that never had a problem for the past two years.
Looks like your post got lost. Maybe if I comment, someone will with some real knowledge will comment.
I was thinking maybe someone decided to treat the track with clipper oil or something but it you on use alcohol, surely alcohol wouldn't cause the slippage.
I don't have traction tire locos, but I imagine they can get old and hard which would cause slippage. Does anyone know how long traction tires last?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I don't have anything with traction tires either, but I can help keep the thread going, as I didn't see this, and I even check the "unread" section once in awhile.
From what I do remember with old Tyco and Bachmann locos that had tires, they seem to get a slight glaze over them after lots of running, so maybe cleaning the tires might help.
I would also think that if this is BLI locomotive, new tires should be available.
Mike.
My You Tube
Have you checked if the traction tires are clean? A layer of caked on gunk may be to blame if it has built up and hardened on the tires. BigDaddy said: "I don't have traction tire locos, but I imagine they can get old and hard which would cause slippage. Does anyone know how long traction tires last?" I'd say they have no set lifespan. I have about eight locos with traction tires, some up to 40 years old, and I've only ever had a bad tire on one engine. It didn't get hard though, it stretched out and spun around the wheel, which is something else you might want to check. If it's built up gunk, give it a good cleaning with a q-tip dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. If it's stretched out, you can probably get a replacement from the company.
mbinsewiI didn't see this, and I even check the "unread" section once in awhile.
That's how I found it.
Sounds to Me that You have always cleaned the track...but never the wheels on any of the rolling stock also the engines......In which case there probably is a glaze of oxidation mixed with grime on all Your wheels, causing them to slip. Try a test spot on the traction wheels with 70% alcohol on a cotton swab.
I personally do not own any engines with traction tires...no matter how good they look........to Me it's like putting a band aid on a under weight engine. Been in the HO scale side of the hobby since 1950......never had any problems with engines pulling without traction tires, with the proper weighting.
Take Care!
Frank
That's like the build-up I was talking about with the traction tires on the old Tyco and Bachmann.
I ran them on brass track, and you could see the shiny layer of build-up on them.
Here is a possibility: Traction wheels are getting old, and are either drying out, or losing grip. Try buying new ones, replacing the old ones. That fixed my TYCO ALCO Centurys slipping problem.
"Your never too old to play with trains"
From my expirence, traction tires just cause trouble on HO withnor without a grade. I have ran a BLI 2-10-4 on a 4% grade after I pulled the tires. I just picked up a new challenger, and the tires slipped off fairly quickly. If you have another locomotive, maybe try that on the grade. The tires themselves could also start to get worn down and not provide any help. Just my opminion, but I would say just ditch the tires.
ramhorn27I have a Broadway 2-8 steam engine that has a set of traction tires on it.
Hi,
Have you checked the box the engine came in? Many, if not all of the Broadway locomotives I've had come with spare traction tires and a small nut driver to remove the side rod in order to slip the new tire on.
I haven't counted but I'm sure I have at least three-dozen locomotives with traction tires. I never had to change one and only did once due to an engine that had a bit of a wobble to it. The new tire didn't help that since it was a poorly-fitted axle.
I'm in agreement with Mike that a layer of gunk can build up on the surface. Replace the tire and clean the one you remove to keep as a spare. Be sure the replacement sits all the way into the groove on the driver.
Good Luck, Ed