Changing traction tires made easy, simple and quick with right tools, new video

RoyBoy posted:

Kerrigan posted:

Looking over the MTH CabForward tire changing challenge it still appears the only way to get at them is to basically disassemble the locomotive.  Has anyone changed tires on this locomotive and have a simple way to do it?  That would be GREATLY appreciated as the take apart/put back together correctly appears to be a real challenge on this one.

I took the drive rod off and pulled it out from the cross head guide. That allowed the drive wheel to be rotated so that the main rod screw was centered in the cross head guide opening, created by the removal of the cross head. That allowed me to remove the main rod screw and slip the tire past the end of the rod.

Thanks Roy; I'll take a try with this approach.

GHD posted:

Royboy, here are a couple more pictures that I hope help. Make the paper clips straight and then bend the ends so they protrude an eighth of an inch and then solder them together. Make sure the solder closes the gap at the ends so that the tire doesn't get wedged in between them. Go easy with the solder thickness as you'll want them thin for clearance reasons. You'll also note that one tool is curved more than the other. This is a result of my generally starting on one side of the tire and then using the second tool to push the other side down and around the wheel. I hope this helps.

Thank you. I will attempt to make some.

Has anyone tried this? I hope you have looked at the second video.

OK...these look about right...can't wait to blow a tire and try them .

I took some thickness off with the belt sander. I might want to make some with thinner wire.

Thanks for sharing this.

They look pretty good to me. I won't be surprised if some optimizes the tools. I made mine on a hunch and they worked good enough that I haven't changed them. I think you'll probably end up bending them a little to get around the wheel. To each his own here. Good luck. I'm looking forward to feedback.

I made a couple of these tools when it was first posted and tried them out yesterday. Someone brought in an MPC era diesel to the shop that needed tires. This engine was one that had the truck sides pressed on so no screws  take them off . Using the paperclip tool was a snap. I don't think it took more then 10 seconds per tire. Thanks for the tip.

That's great. I'm glad they worked for you. 

I just realized that I failed to mention that I used the larger size of paper clips. I believe they are better here for this application. They have longer reach and are stronger for the push required to stretch the tire.  

I was just at Harbor Freight last night and they have a four pack of dental picks for under $2.  

I found some similar tools made of hard plastic, which won't scratch or tear.

WillyGee,

   Bill no traction tiers for me either, everything runs better without them on my layouts, and all your upgrades are still working Great!

Merry Christmas Bill, hope all is well at your place!

PCRR/Dave

GHD,

Thanks for sharing this method of replacing traction tires. I made up a pair of these and replaced 4 tires on a Premier Alco PA in no time. Otherwise, I would have had too remove the shell, drop the trucks to remove the side-frames to replace the tires. At least an half hour or more probably. It works better than I could ever imagine.

Thanks again, Joe Allen

Joe, thanks for posting your results. I'm glad they worked for you. George

I made a set of these this morning. Boy, do they work well!!! I changed 4 traction tires in less time than it is taking me to type this post! GHD, Thanks for the great tip!

Chris

LVHR

Chris, I'm glad they worked for you and thanks for the feedback. George

Now that the engines have been working, has anyone has a need for new traction tires?

Waiting to tackle the Cab Forward with a set of these.  Still looks like a lot of stuff has to come off first.

Has anyone else tried using these tools?

Thank you GHD!! After a couple hours of futility, I found your post and made two of your paper clip tools. You are right. It took less than a minute to get the tire on my Lionel Alco 420. The side frames are screwed in from the top so, to get them off would have required dropping the truck from the frame. I didn’t want to go there.

Thanks very much for the pictures and movie!

I’m glad people are using these. Now when I need to change a tire, I just do it knowing how easy it can be. No more dreading and prolonging the decision to do it. Enjoy 

So, I guess you solder together two paperclips to make the two "fingers" on the end to hold the tire with?

Thanks for sharing this tip!

The paper clips are nothing short of brilliant. I bought dental picks from Harbor Freight and thought I had gotten a good deal....

Now this is rather interesting. I'll have to remember this when I throw one.

I have been using these since you first posted it. I’ve made a few sets for friends too. Thank You

Hi

Just wondering is there a trick to soldering the paper clips together, I have tried numerous times and cannot get the solder to stick, i am not new to soldering i have done soldering on copper pipes and wiring but cannot get the paper clips soldered together, and i have about 8 MTH engines that need tires replaced

Regards

Prentice

I would try sanding the paper clips with some 80-grit sandpaper. They may have a plating on them that won’t take solder.

Paper clips are steel; you will not be able to solder them.  If you need length just use large paper clips.  Also you can buy cheap picks and/or tweezers at Amazon or Harbor freight.

Paper clips are PLATED steel, and you CAN solder them!

Good luck