I just got out a couple of trains to run under the Christmas tree. The first thing I noticed is that all of the rubber traction tires are cracked and/or broken.
Of course none of my postwar Lionel magnetraction engines have this issue.
Earl
It must be the location you are storing them in as I have had traction-tire engines since 1963 and have never had this failure.
Rob
Personally, I much prefer engines without traction tires for this very reason. As the years go by...
I just replaced a Marx 333 traction tire that lost elasticity, and became loose on the wheel.
Paul
Same story with some old Tyco engines I have. Been running those with no traction tire.
Tires do increase traction but I could do without them.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
I could pretty much do without traction tires myself but what are you gonna do in this day and age?
Magne-Traction won't work on nickle-silver track, supposedly it won't work on Lionel's FasTrack either.
However, on some of my MTH 4-4-0's the traction tires deteriorated so I just left 'em off. The engines are so heavy they don't seem to miss them at all, plus with a 4-4-0 you're not running a super-long consist anyway.
Anyway, if I can get away without traction tires I do so, if not, as they wear out I replace them. Easier on some engines than others.
Firelock76Magne-Traction won't work on nickle-silver track, supposedly it won't work on Lionel's FasTrack either.
MagneTraction works on FasTrack and GarGraves Stainless.
ADCX Rob Firelock76 Magne-Traction won't work on nickle-silver track, supposedly it won't work on Lionel's FasTrack either. It works on FasTrack and GarGraves Stainless.
Firelock76 Magne-Traction won't work on nickle-silver track, supposedly it won't work on Lionel's FasTrack either.
It works on FasTrack and GarGraves Stainless.
OK, that's good to know, however GarGraves stainless must have only enough chromium in the alloy to give it good rust resistance. Pure stainless, and there are numerous grades of stainless steel, won't attract a magnet. It's also a pain to work with, a machinist friend of mine told me working with pure stainless steel can reduce a grown man to tears!
Obviously whatever GarGraves uses works for them.
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