Traction Tires on Postwar Steamers

[Dampfmann]

Has anyone ever tried modifying the drivers of a Post War steamer, say #2026, to help improve its pulling power? I think it could be done by turning a grove for the tire on the driver using a small lathe and if the existing wheels have enough metal to take such a cut.

I am interested to hear from those who have tried this procedure.

Sincerely,

Martin

[ADCX Rob]

I have done this with Williams diesels, w/o cutting the wheel down.  You just stretch a traction tire over the wheel, it becomes thinner as it stretches.  Use a light application of Walthers Goo to keep it on.

On any of the 2026 types, you could try 2 242-206 tires, stretched over each of the rear drivers with Goo to keep them on.  The steel tires could also be turned down on the pre-1950 locos to accept the 242-206 traction tire.

For 1950 & later 2026 types, you could try a 242-207 sintered iron wheel already cut for the 242-206 traction tire from the 2029(the rest of the 2029 wheels are 2036 & 2026 parts).

Rob 

[Buckeye Riveter]

Years ago, CTT had an article on adding traction tires to locomotives.  Sorry, that I can not recall even the year.  Maybe the CTT index would be of help. 

And it was, the article was in the November 2003 issue.