Weekend Photos -- 4-03-2020

[healey36]

Years ago I bought this MTH "bantam" version of 4449, not for its looks certainly, but because it had a toy-like appearance that I thought would dove-tail with the tinplate stuff that I run/collect:



Maybe, maybe not, but the kids loved it because it smoked like crazy and made a hell of a racket. One problem with it is it runs right out of its pair of traction tires. Even when replaced with a new pair, within a couple hours of run-time the tires come off and wrap up in the side-rods. I've been thinking of cementing them on with a thin layer of rubber cement and see if that holds them in place. Rubber cement tends to be temporary in other applications, so this might not be a good solution.

Any other ideas?

Healey

[v8vega]

Traction tires are the worse idea ever on model trains.

[chuck]

There was a technique of using silicone sealant as a tire replacement. Check the NK archives for details. It was a delicate process but it seemed to work. BTW, the Neoprene rubber tires do not have an infinite shelf life. The tires you have been trying to use may be old/stale and that is why they are failing. I remember from my HO days a "premium" clear nylon tire for diesels. PITA to install but they sure lasted.

[Roy]

...Neoprene rubber tires do not have an infinite shelf life. The tires you have been trying to use may be old/stale and that is why they are failing.

I'm surprised to hear that, since it's not natural rubber. What is the stuff Gilbert used for their S gauge rubber roadbed? Even after 60+ years, it's still good.

[healey36]

There was a technique of using silicone sealant as a tire replacement. Check the NK archives for details. It was a delicate process but it seemed to work. BTW, the Neoprene rubber tires do not have an infinite shelf life. The tires you have been trying to use may be old/stale and that is why they are failing. I remember from my HO days a "premium" clear nylon tire for diesels. PITA to install but they sure lasted.

I recall those guys talking up something called Frog-Snot, or something like that, as a replacement for traction tires. I'll poke around over there.

[chuck]

Neoprene is much more resistant than natural rubber but is affected by UV light, heat and some chemicals (smoke fluid and track cleaners?). UV light from florescent bulbs used in most offices would cause the mouse pads (back before we had optical mice) to break down. The traction tires are also foam based and they don't handle the physical abuse that well, particularly on solid track with it's sharper edges.

[Roy]

I recall those guys talking up something called Frog-Snot, or something like that, as a replacement for traction tires.

I also remember reading about this:

http://www.bullfrogsnot.com/

I wonder if E6000 would work, to hold on the standard replacement traction tires?

I'm not familiar with the MTH Bantam Daylight. Are the traction tires just on the rear drivers?. If so, you could get some front drivers, and replace the grooved rear drivers.

[healey36]

Yup, the rear pair of drivers has a traction tire. Without the tire, I'm guessing it wouldn't pull much. I have a set of O-27 passenger cars I drag behind it.

Thanks for the link.

[J. S. Bach]

...snip... something called Frog-Snot, or something like that ...snip...

Bullfrog Snot.

[webenda]

...snip... something called Frog-Snot, or something like that ...snip...

Bullfrog Snot.

https://www.amazon.com/BULLFROG-SNOT-Un ... B001NG2ECC

[healey36]

Thanks, Wayne. I didn't realize that stuff was marketed specifically as a hobby supply.