Aerotrain ~ Rear Traction Tire Replacement

Need to get side frame off. G

GGG posted:

Need to get side frame off. G

What's the quickest, easiest way to do that?

Screws take them off.

Pat C... posted:

I need to replace the rear traction tires on my MTH Aerotrain # 30-2282-1. The tire has lost all elasticity, and is barely hanging on the wheels.

 

Thanx...

Have one that the rear tires have become loose as well.

GGG posted:

Need to get side frame off. G

Can you remove the rear side frames from underneath? It appears the cab must come off and then motor separated from the rear truck? Weird design.

Did you see this thread?  Aero train anemic pulling

The real cure, assuming the traction tires are intact, is adding weight.  I added about a pound and a half, it had a very positive effect on the pulling power and stability of the locomotive.  My upgraded locomotive now pulls all ten of my cars.

Note that you should generously lub the Aerotrain cars, they have considerable rolling resistance when compared to most other passenger cars.  Odd for such a small car, but that's life.  I have given thought to removing the rollers from most of them and using a one-wire tether to lower the rolling resistance.

ogaugeguy posted:

GGG posted:

Need to get side frame off. G

What's the quickest, easiest way to do that?

My Aerotrain is in storage right now, and wont see daylight till the Spring.

I'll tackle the traction tire then.

So I'm kinda sure that the cab has to be removed and I'm hoping the screw's are then in view for the side frame, without fooling with the motor, or mount.

Whoever designed this, must of been asleep at the wheel...lol...

If anyone has any insight or comments, it's appreciated...

Four screws and the shell lifts off, you can easily access the traction tires at that point.

I do think it is 6 screws.  But easy to remove and plenty of clearance. G

Correct George, I just took the shell off an Aerotrain engine, forgot the middle set of screws.  I guess that's because the chassis is just a floppy piece of sheet metal, no bent edges to give it rigidity.