How To Replace Traction Tires North Pole Express RS-3 Done!

What you said. If the sideframes are swagged on, you'll have to slip them between the wheel and sideframe. Getting the old ones off is easy, just lift enough to snip, then slide them out.

 

To get the new ones in, you'll need a couple of small diameter, long shaft, flat end screw drivers. Or better yet, a set of 'dental pick' type tools that include one with a 90deg bend at the end, and one with a 30deg bend and a little hook right at the tip.

 

You'll also need a lot of patience, and something to bite on when you're language is about to turn blue. A couple of jawbreakers work well for that. For some reason, I always found the wheels closest to the ends the easiest to do. The inner ones usually called for the jawbreakers.

 

 

That's how I do it on the very few diesel tires I've changed over the last 50 years, using small tools as Len recommends.

 

Just curious, what track/radius is eating up the tires?

Pretty sure it's not the track, which is tubular O-31 and O-42.  The tires are cracked and separating.  Suspect it's a combination of various factors, maybe something to do with the wild climate swings of a Central Texas garage, and possibly hauling a track cleaner gondola weighted with rolls of quarters around the layout.  Three cheers for Magne-Traction!!!

 

Lionel has no parts listing for the NPE RS-3, but there is one for the Canadian Pacific Trainsounds version.  It show both sideframes removed as a single unit.  When I had a truck off I could not see how they are attached.  Now I must decide whether to remove a truck again or just try slipping the tires on "in situ."

 

Man, I wish Lionel had an exploded isometric of this loco online.

 

Thank y'all for your help.

 

Pete

Usually with some simple dental tools, (at least 2), as Len2 mentioned,  tires can be installed without dismantling the truck side frames of the model.  Some steam engines require that rods be disconnect to install tires.

After looking at the CP RS-3 parts pictures, I see it is possible to remove the side frames. But I always found it simpler to change the traction tires with the truck in place.

 

After removing the shell, remove the screw on the bottom of the truck that holds the motor in place. That lets the truck drop loose from the frame. There should be either two or four screws holding the side frame assembly to the truck. Remove them, and the side frame should come off allowing direct access to the wheels. When done, put it all back together, making sure the coupler pieces are lined up correctly before tightening everything down.

 

When I did this for a living, like I said, it was usually faster to just flip the loco over in a cradle and do it with the dental pics and screwdriver.

 

 

It depends on how close the sideframes are to the wheels whether I'll take them off or put the tires on without any disassembly.  For any that have the sideframe screws on the bottom of the truck, the decision is easy.

 

I can show you how to replace then with silicone sealant if you like.

.....

Dennis

I may not be tracking this right, but I think the CP RS-3s had a different construction from other RS-3s, with a different set of trucks. They are EMD trucks, the same as those used on Lionel traditional Geeps, so the construction is different for the sideframes.

       
       


I was thinking Frog Snot

K.C.

That would be bad, as I recall, those are riveted on.

Actual unretouched photo of NPE truck sideframe.  Sure doesn't look like an Alco truck.

 

 

 

I prefer the traction tires to the liquid substitutes.  Looks like I might should get a set of those Harbor Freight picks.  Dang.

 

Pete

Pete, let the fun begin!   The first time with the dental tools is a learning experience, but you'll get better with practice.

 

What GRJ said. The probes I use are from the General 862 3-pc Probe and Hook set. The two on the left and right work well together for this job. And like I mentioned earlier, a long, thin, flat blade screwdriver can also be handy.

 

You can find them at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Sears (if your is still open), and a lot of auto parts stores. And don't forget the jawbreakers.

 

 

Don't forget to ask your dentist for a set of picks, they usually give the old ones away all sterilized.

 

Clem 

Real dental picks can actually be too sharp for changing traction tires. It's very easy to nick or cut the tire when putting it on, so it splits when stretched over the wheel. The points on the General probes are a bit blunter.

 

That said, they are very handy for many other jobs. Especially carving details into plaster, plastic, and wood.

 

 

Finally got it!  It helps tremendously to drop the trucks because with the worm gear out of them the wheels can be spun, which makes it easy to replace those dang tires.  I got a set of cheap Harbor Freight picks which also were a big help.

 

Thank you all for your assistance.

 

Pete