Engine Wheel

It’s a common problem as traction tires age. If you bought the engine new. Usually there is a packet of extras in the styrofoam cradle as well as the tool required to do it. Usually involves removing one bolt that holds the side rod on to the wheel to fish the new tire into position.  Should be covered in the manual and there are plenty of tutorial videos on how to put one on.

A product number of the engine would help. But most are pretty straightforward in how they are done. There are exceptions though that are a little more difficult.

How did it make its way outside the rod?

It just rolls off the driver. It can’t escape past the rod. Remove the screw on the rear driver. Pry the side rod up slightly without distorting it and you can slip the tire through the space.

You can place it back in the groove if you want to practice putting it in place. You also may want to get the wheels in a desirable position to make it easier to work on. But once it flies off. Even putting it back in place it’s going to fly right back off. It takes some stretching of the new tire to get it over the wheel. Not knowing what you have for an engine. Some steamers have brake shoes that can be removed to access the wheel easier.

If I need to get new rubber do they all fit the same or will there be ones I neeed specific for my engine.

Specific for your engine. Both Lionel and MTH have parts sites.

10-4

If you own an MTH engine- please, please, please- use the MTH Parts and Sales website. https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/

It's not just about buying parts- they have tire charts, parts diagrams- how to change a tire instructions!!!

You own the engine- now use the resources that exist to help you with that engine.
The home page

Under the helpful stuff section

direct link https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop/documents

Tire chart for sizing

https://www.mthpartsandsales.c...HART_REVISED_ALL.pdf

An official video link for changing traction tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXePXZ-pQlk&t=1s