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Train Traction Tires
Richard asks readers: “I am having trouble finding traction tires for Tyco “Chattanooga” and O-8-0 tender drives. Please help!”
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i have an 0-8-0 chattanooga also. i am also needing to fix the tenders traction tires, at the moment i have used small o-rings and it seems to go around the track but i would like to have better tires if anyone knows how to get them.
There is rubber tires (special rubber bands so to speak) for some steam engine wheels. There is also something called green snot that you fill those grooves with and it will do the same thing. A lot of people say the green snot is the way to go. several catalogs have it. from Newman
I have not heard of green snot but maybe it is another name for Bullfrog Snot which I have used. It is purchased in a small container that will last you forever as you use only a extremely small amount. My steam loco’s tires wore out and I replaced them with Bullfrog Snot. Application can be with a tooth pick but I prefer a very fine brush (end of bristle must fit in wheel grove). Turn loco upside down, connect power and slowly run the loco. Apply the Bullfrog Snot to fill the groves, in my case only the front two drive wheels. I have heard that, like tires, it wears out after time. Mine has not after two years, so as good as new tires if not better.
That may be the actual name of it . I have heard folks refer to it as both from Newman
If you search on ebay for universal traction tires and look for seller fritzishome. These are supposed to be fit all and they are cheap. He has steam they are a off white rubber.
Ideas:
Rubber solution for bicycle tyres might work, thinly applied ?
“Evo-stik” or similar contact adhesive which dries soft like rubber ?
The tiny rubber bands kids use to tie hair up in ponytails which are cheaply available in many colours ?
“Loom Bands” ?
There is a black wire insulator paste that is used in place of electrical tape sometimes and yes it is messy but might work Do a sample on something to make sure it drys good and and does not adhere to the rails after it is set up. I have not used it for that but it could be a possibility. from Newman