Note: I just edited my original post because I didn't like the tone I took. I felt that it was too inflammatory and accusational. I've met Scott Mann and feel that he wouldn't deliberately sell a product that wasn't properly designed. So I've changed the title of this thread and some of my text.
My friend just bought a 3rd Rail Pennsylvania Gas Electric rail car. It is a very nice model. Great paint job, ERR electronics, well assembled. But it has a major problem.
It is nearly impossible to replace the traction tires without completely disassembling the model. I found this out tonight when it became necessary to do so.
Upon inspection I found that the axles extend into the journals, which are mounted in the sideframes. They are held to the truck bolster with two screws, which are inserted through the top of the truck. So the truck must be removed to access the sideframe screws. But the truck is also attached to the floor from above. That requires unscrewing the floor from the body. No problem, only four screws. But upon removing the floor it is discovered that the couplers, which are mounted to the body, are hard wired to the circuit board, as are the headlights. That wouldn't be so big a problem except the screw which holds the truck to the floor is blocked by the speaker assembly, and their doesn't seem to be an easy way to remove said assembly without removing the entire electronics package, which is also still attached to the headlights and couplers, which are attached to the body.
At this point I gave up. I tried to get the original stretched traction tire back over the wheel, which I did. However, it came right off again upon running the car. I am now considering one of two options. One is to try to glue the original tire in place with ACC. The second it to try Bullfrog Snot. The irony of this is that 3rd Rail includes two replacement tires. I guess they never bothered to think about how to install them.
I wonder if I am missing an obvious, simpler solution to this problem.
Stuart
