Before I open up the shell on this Lionel engine I thought I'd ask for help in replacing the tires. Hopefully I have tires that will work.
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OK, I opened up the shell and found that I just needed to remove the power truck and then pull the side frames to get at the tires. It is really too bad that Lionel did such a lousy job with their instructions. There isn't a section on tire removal, and worse yet, no part number for the tires. Lionels online parts showed nothing, when I used the parts diagram from Lionel. I will have to see if I can cross reference the tires. i.e. would their ABA diesels use the same tires.
Sorry, I just saw your post. The axles have inboard bearings and the sideframes are ornamental, so there's no reason you MUST remove the trucks to install tires (although that would make the job easier.) I've heard of folks working tires over the wheels by using popsicle sticks, dental picks, thin screwdrivers, etc.
Although this loco has many unique parts, I don't believe the wheels are a different size than those of any other Lionel diesel. Or a diesel from MTH, K-Line, etc. Good luck and please post up a video when you get it running!
Ted is right, you do not need to take the locomotive apart although, changing the tires with the side frames in place will require some small tools. Your replacement tires should be 17mm in diameter or, roughly, 11/16”. It should be 4mm wide, or 5/32”.
Thanks Dan and Ted. I have the truck removed from the motor and the sideframes off so putting tires on will be easier. I will have to look and see what I have in my tire stock as most are MTH. Appreciate the size info. I will see if I can post a video when done. I might be able to shoot with my digital camera and then save it and send along.
If you still have the tires in an envelope, the MTH part number is DE-0000018.
In this case most of my tires are the extras from the boxes; however, I appreciate that number, as I do have the MTH tire chart and I can take a look. The engine runs fine now, I will see if I can send video. Now to sell it.
Jeff
I figured out how to take a movie with my digital camera, and transfer it to my picture file. So here are two short videos of the C&NW FM H10-44 with die cast body. Weighs 5lbs.