The answer MAY be "Bullfrog Snot"

[bfskinner]

Evidently this stuff was originally designed for N- and HO-gauge; but it might have applications in O. Spendy, 'tho.

Google it.

[jmkk]

Found this when I Googled it.  Looks interesting. Maybe even for those nickle rimed drivers.

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/shop/shop.php?c=mr&n=276766011&i=B001NG2ECC&x=BULLFROG_SNOT_Universal_Liquid_Plastic_Traction_Tires

[rtraincollector]

Glad you googled it I can see where it would work on train engines not having traction tires and I'm assuming that you could only add it to either one side or do one left one right as I would think you would lose some electric contact if you did all wheels.

And to think I thought he was joking and Iwas going to say we would need at least box turtle snot for O gauge.

[dbaker48]

Saw it at a show last weekend, EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE, $25 for about 3 oz.

[Taranwanderer]

Just had my first use with this stuff. It seems to go on pretty well, and it even comes off easier than I thought--I had to remove it from a tire because a trolley was losing electrical contact going over a switch. My question is: if you used this stuff on a loco that had magne-traction, would you lose the magnetic effects, or would it work through the bullfrog snot? I don't want to disable the magnetic effects. What's the consensus?

[dbaker48]

 Boy, this thread was drug out of the archives.  My last post was in Jan 2009.  Anyway, I have used this on 3 different engines since then.  Most recently on a scale size Lionel Cab Fwd,  (weight 25lbs).  And, it is doing very well, I am quite pleased.  As tires come off the BS goes on.

Regarding your question with magne-traction, I don't think it will hurt, the magnetic effects are enabled from the axle I believe, not the wheels.

[servoguy]

Putting a non-magnetic material between the wheel and rail will reduce the magnetic attraction between the wheel and rail somewhat. The magnetic flux can go through the non-magnetic material, but the magnetic force will be reduced. Bruce Baker

[Taranwanderer]

That's kind of what I was thinking, but I figured I'd throw it out there anyway. The "magnetism" is definitely something in the wheels (maybe the axle, too, but definitely in the wheels,) so I guess covering the wheels with a non-conductive material would have to decrease the magnetic effect, even if it still did work somewhat through the snot (that just sounds funny.) So I guess it's my non-magnetraction engines to be worked. Oh, and as far as price and the snot being pricey: has anyone priced Lionel replacement traction tires lately? I've always wanted to know what a $2.50 rubber band looked like...:) For that kind of price, and for how many tires you can make out of a jar of BS, it makes the BS look like a bargain. I'm just hoping it works as well as the tires (if not better!)

[edoptician]

I have a prewar AF City of Denver with a traction problem....because of the whistle in the first coach, the thing slips way more than it should (brand new drive wheels}  I am going to experiment with bullfrog snot on the wheels, it cant hurt

 

Ed Samsen

TCA 89-30282 TTOS 6405

[MONK]

dbaker48

 Boy, this thread was drug out of the archives.  My last post was in Jan 2009.  Anyway, I have used this on 3 different engines since then.  Most recently on a scale size Lionel Cab Fwd,  (weight 25lbs).  And, it is doing very well, I am quite pleased.  As tires come off the BS goes on.

Regarding your question with magne-traction, I don't think it will hurt, the magnetic effects are enabled from the axle I believe, not the wheels.

How hard is it to get an even layer in the gruve where the tire was?

thank you TRAINMAN

[dbaker48]

Very easy.  I place the engine upside down in a padded cradle I made.  Then apply voltage to the contact roller and ground location.  Get the wheels turning, relatively slow.  Then with a toothpick, apply the Snot to the wheel.  Continue application with the wheel rotating, and when I have filled the void, I use an exacto knife to ensure it is evenly applied and does not exceed the height of the area designated for the traction tire.  (BTW, all engines I previously applied are still doing great!  No further modification, additions or anything.)