Traction Tires for Standard Gauge!!

[lionel2]

Hello all,  My traction tires on my standard gauge loco have broke and I wanted to know where I can find replacement traction tires to fit onto my drivers.  Anyone know the correct size or website where I can purchase them??  Thanks, Jeff

[TrainLarry]

Is it a Lionel locomotive or another manufacturer? Cab # of loco would help.

Larry

[Firelock76]

I can't believe something as big and heavy as a Standard Gauge locomotive would need traction tires, but what do I know?

[lionel2]

Hello, They are lionel tinplate 1835E steam locomotive and a 381E electric locomotive.  They both have the same size drivers.  So, I would guess they use the same size traction tires.  Hope this helps.  Thanks, Jeff

[TrainLarry]

 No information is available as to parts for these locos on the MTH website. Suggest a call to them to order the traction tires.

Larry

[bomber]

First - are your locos MTH or Lionel? If MTH - go to the MTH web site. Down below the MTH logo and a list of selections you will find a search box. Enter 'Traction Tire Chart' download the chart. Tires are listed by locomotive and tire diameter (in mm) One important thing - traction tire diameter is NOT wheel diameter. You can order them from MTH, they cost $1.00 ea. plus shipping. If you have to order some, it is best to order a lot of parts, for different locos because you are paying shipping anyway. good luck

[lionel2]

My locomotives are Lionel.  None of my locomotives are on that chart.  Should I look on Lionel.com for the traction tires??  Thanks, Jeff

[bomber]

They do, because of the weight and size of the cars they pull. The MTH Traction Tire Chart has not been updated since 2008. I would email Midge Wilburn at MTH (Parts Dept.),[e-mail], and ask her what size. Do not expect an answer for about 5 days, Midge is the only parts contact for the general public. An alternative is - go on the OGR forums, select the DCS PS2/3 forum and post a request there. That forum has numerous independent MTH trained techs who might be able to assist. I checked the product literature on the MTH website and there are no parts catalogs available. MTH did themselves a disfavor by not listing the particular size for an engine in the instruction manual that is posted on line.

[TrainLarry]

Do you have the product number (not the cab number) of the locomotives? Note that MTH reissued these locomotives with the Lionel name on them. I do not find any reference to Lionel making  these reissued locomotives. Lionel may have SOLD them, but MTH MADE them.

Call MTH parts directly and ask for the traction tires for your locomotives.

Larry

[Firelock76]

Bomber, thanks for the answer about why Standard Gauge locos need traction tires, that one had me puzzled.

Another question for those who might know:  did Lionel put traction tires on their pre-war Standard Gauge engines, or is this strictly a modern development?

[rtraincollector]

 

Firelock76

Bomber, thanks for the answer about why Standard Gauge locos need traction tires, that one had me puzzled.

Another question for those who might know:  did Lionel put traction tires on their pre-war Standard Gauge engines, or is this strictly a modern development?

Modern Developement

[Firelock76]

Thanks for the answer, Collector!  Now I'm wondering why they need them NOW but didn't need them back THEN.  Something different about the drive wheel metal?

Not trying to open up a can of worms mind you.  I know why traction tires are put on modern engines, they need them (maybe) to work on a variety of track types, especially the non-ferrous types where MagneTraction won't work.  Standard Gauge engines never had MagneTraction to begin with.

See, I've got a post-war 2018 Lionel 2-6-4.  No MagneTraction or traction tires but it pulls a train of 12 cars on my 4 X 8 with no trouble at all, and on MTH RealTrax. 

[rtraincollector]

Jim I may be wrong here as basically guessing but I believe the wheels for one is a different material than was use back in prewar also I don't think they put that much technology into them back then and most had like 2 maybe 3 cars behind them and where meant for being put on a flat floor like around the Christmas tree or on the living room or kitchen floor

[Firelock76]

OK Collector, that makes sense.  Two, three, four cars max and on a flat floor and they probably didn't need any more pulling power.  Thanks for the response.

Oh, my name's Wayne, not Jim.  No problem.

[rtraincollector]

Wayne sorry thought you where someone else. thought it was odd you calling me collector where most call me RT lol now I understand the mix up again sorry and no problem on this end

[AF53]

My initial reaction was like Wayne's. Why would theses need traction tires?

I just weighed my American Flyer Wide Gauge Steam style locomotive and it's a robust 11 pounds! (without the tender). 

My Wide Gauge Electric style weighs 4.5 pounds, I can't imagine that would need traction tire either, but I guess the newer ones do?

[lionel2]

My newer Lionel 381E can only pull 5 state cars at best.  I have a 9 car state car set and I would like it to pull all of them.  The only way it will pull all of them is to have traction tires on the drivers.  My 1835E which has traction tires can pull all 9 of them with no problem.  But, as you know the 1835E is not a state green loco.  I still have not heard back from midge or MTH or Lionel about the traction tires for my standard gauge trains.  I will wait longer I guess. 

[rtraincollector]

The biggest thing here I think you will find the difference in weight from prewar and the remake I have a pre-war 8E and I only have had up to 3 cars but it would fly with them so I know it would pull a lot more so to me its the weight I bet there's a big difference in them also I believe the difference in materials of the wheels and the track has a lot to do with it also