I just received parts from MTH for our Christmas steamer (on the left side of photo). I ordered them on line thru MTH's parts system. However, the traction tires that I received are a bit smaller, stiffer and way less stretchy. They are also glossy. I do not think I will be able to get them on the wheels. Perhaps I ordered the incorrect ones?
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That's the entire point- you want them tight on the rims.
Those are the correct tires 
I use a small piece of piano wire and clean the wheel with a q-tip and alcohol first, then also wet the new tire with alcohol, and then use the wire to go around the wheel and stretch and slip the tire on.
More or less the exact same as seen in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlQQUxjvyYw
As an alternative to piano wire you could straighten out two paper clips and work the new tire with them onto the rim similar to what you would do with piano wire.
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