Traction Tires

Good Evening to you!  I would call the manufacturer and get the needed traction tires and maybe a few more as spares.  They are reativery easy (and cheap) to put on if you take your time.  Only use denatured alcohol (not isopropyl) and never goo gone and all of that to clean the tires or track.  I have also had good luck removing the grease with amonia on the track or q-tip to clean the wheels with no adverse affect on the traction tires.

Do it right, get the traction tires and enjoy you new find!!

You didn't say what brand of F3, but there are a couple members here that sell those traction tires from MTH and they usually fit most of the diesels of various brands. Once they slip off, or are cracked, just replace them. Quick, easy, and pretty inexpensive.

I get the best performance using Bullfrog Snot. Better traction and will not come off if the wheels do spin. 

...keep the rails polished...

I would put new tires on all around. When you put on the correct size tire just stretch it enough to get it on the wheel don't stretch it out like an elastic band. I have used Goo Gone for years cleaning my track and have had very minimal problems throwing traction tires. 

I agree with Chris. Using GooGone for 14 years with no issues. Let it dry before running.   Joe

Whenever I can, I use the MTH traction tires.  I find they're thinner than the Lionel ones and seem to be less likely to get thrown off.