Hi everyone, I have a James Gang train set and I'm upgrading it visually. I've already upgraded the one piece drive rods to the better looking two piece found on the nicer Generals. I'm adding a led to the headlight, put rollers on the center rail pickup. Now I'm after traction. This thing will not pull anything other that the cars that came with it, while the Redwood valley General will pull my Williams pink girls set with two cars added. The difference is it has a traction tire. Would anyone happen to be able to look up the part number for an mpc redwood valley General traction wheel and tire? I've added a couple ounces of weight and it didn't help at all. It actually heavier than the other General, so I gotta have the traction wheel and tire. I'm also wanting to add the front handrails at the smokestack that goes to the cowcatcher. I think they might bend them after they are put through the smoke stack, but I'm not sure. If these can't be bought separately, can someone measure theirs and tell me how long they are to each bend? I would appreciate it very much.
One final question. I bought the boiler bands and I have to cut the slots for them to fit through. I'm not exactly sure what the best way would be and I'd like to ask for everyone's advice. The bands are probably around .010"-.015" thick, and I'm not sure on the best way to try to do this.
I know this engine isn't worth doing all of this to, but I wanted it so bad I could taste it when I seen it in the Lionel catalog that came with my first set. So, I'm just making it my own and nicer than it was from the factory.
