Changing Lionel traction tires in difficult places

just make sure  that you note what and where you loosened or removed any parts. a close inspection will reveal the minimum of parts to remove if any.

Bob C.

I have a suggestion, if not a definitive answer.

I have this engine, but have never had to replace the tires. I just looked at it and, yes, even if you "bottom-out" the driver, the screw seems to be trapped behind the crosshead guide lower "rail".

1 - e-mail Lionel; often they can help (if you get the right employee - it costs nothing, so go for it).

2 - it looks as if you can remove the main rod crank pin, then slide the main side rod, crosshead and piston rod back a bit (it looks like you can - you don't need much wiggle room), perhaps you can lift the #1 axle screw out between the crosshead guides so a new tire can be slid over the wheel and worked into place - this "working" is a whole other set of cussing opportunities, been there...done that...but that's just patience. Then put the screw back in.

3 - let's all get together and find the guy who decided that the most access-resistant wheels were where a maintenance item should be located, and just slap him.

4 - you can run the loco without some (or all) traction tires. When one of mine loses one, if performance is not affected, I sometimes ignore it. Totally case-by-case. If it's easy, I put one on right away. The 2 in the rear of your loco will probably be more than sufficient.

5 - I'm hoping that there is an obvious solution that I am just not seeing - like magic.  

Milt: Please search the Forum for a post I generated generated last Fall doing my Y-6B traction tires which are in the same location as your engine. Replacement should be similar. Photos included for guidance. 

Milt: Try this link....

https://ogrforum.com/t...ngine-traction-tires

In the case of the 2-8-8-2, is it possible to swap the front and rear drivers around? Might be a little extra work to begin with, but, save on work later.