cncproadwarrior
North of the 49th
Anyone use traction tires in HO? Are they required?, Nice to have? Not needed?
Traction Tires
- Thread starter cncproadwarrior
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Neither do I!
Besides, I view traction tires as a crutch for a poor design. "Back in the day" the ability of a loco to slip under a load was viewed as a "safety valve" to prevent a motor from stalling out and damaging itself. I still hold to that belief, as I've never burnt a motor out, even with the long trains I pull on my club layout, 50-60 cars per loco. The loco will slip and no harm gets done to a motor.
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With modern HO models, only short wheel base steam switchers like 0-6-0's and 0-8-0's use traction tires. Otherwise, most models have large enough motors, enough weight, and better gearing to allow them to pull a reasonable load without traction tires. I can't think of a scale quality diesel that has traction tires although you occasionally still see them in train set type engines like the Plymouth MDT. They really aren't needed unless they came with the engine and it just gives you one less set of wheels to pick up power from the rails.
Boilerbuster
Member
I have removed them from some of my engines. I find that some of them pull way more then they should if they have traction tires such as my 2-8-2.
lmackattack
old school
Some of Broadway limited HO steam engines have tires. I have 2 heavy mikes with them and I think the mallet has them. I think the Big boys had them as well?
I like them wile alot of people curse at them. I do not like the real soft rubber ones they stop a train on a dime when a short happes and if the train is real long in a curve well you get the point. the other down side is that they need to be replaced every now and then.
I like them wile alot of people curse at them. I do not like the real soft rubber ones they stop a train on a dime when a short happes and if the train is real long in a curve well you get the point. the other down side is that they need to be replaced every now and then.
Selector
Well-Known Member
I am convinced that some engines will do better with them, but only if you are dissatisfied with their pulling ability. A Mikado in HO should be able to pull 20 cars easily on level track if they are properly weighted and free rolling. Add variations away from the standards and toward more sticky journals in the trucks, add some grades....now you're down to maybe 8-10 before you know it. If you want to restore the other 12 to the consist, you will need one axle with rubber tires.
Note that on trainboard right now there is a lively and lengthy thread by someone who is selling a new concoction called Bullfrog Snot. He claims that you paint it onto an axle's tires, let it dry for four or five hours, and then you have a thin and durable traction tire that works well and has minimal effect on electrical pickup. A very few regulars there have skeptically tried free samples he has shipped to them, and the reviews are actually highly positive. Shelf queens can be used again!
Note that on trainboard right now there is a lively and lengthy thread by someone who is selling a new concoction called Bullfrog Snot. He claims that you paint it onto an axle's tires, let it dry for four or five hours, and then you have a thin and durable traction tire that works well and has minimal effect on electrical pickup. A very few regulars there have skeptically tried free samples he has shipped to them, and the reviews are actually highly positive. Shelf queens can be used again!
RDGNUT
New Member
Bullfrog snot
Howdy,
I'm the creator/developer of BULLFROG SNOT.
Yes, it's liquid plastic universal traction tires. Easy to install and easy to remove, so you can experiment for optimum placement.
Apply one drop with a toothpick (for N), it cures at room temp in minutes.
No mixing, no special tools, no fumes, no goofy rubber o-rings. It shrinks down tight and has a good service life.
It's been evaluated by other users, and their independent peer reviews and gripes are posted on the other boards.
It's new. Too good to be true. I expect there are doubters. Here's where to ask your questions.
Bill
BULLFROG SNOT
Howdy,
I'm the creator/developer of BULLFROG SNOT.
Yes, it's liquid plastic universal traction tires. Easy to install and easy to remove, so you can experiment for optimum placement.
Apply one drop with a toothpick (for N), it cures at room temp in minutes.
No mixing, no special tools, no fumes, no goofy rubber o-rings. It shrinks down tight and has a good service life.
It's been evaluated by other users, and their independent peer reviews and gripes are posted on the other boards.
It's new. Too good to be true. I expect there are doubters. Here's where to ask your questions.
Bill
BULLFROG SNOT
kenw
5th Generation Texian
ok, i'll ask a q or 2:
1) does it wick evenly around the circumference, therefore providing a uniform thickness? any data on +/- variances?
2) How does the added thickness impact other drivers (which would by inference now be a smaller diameter)?
3) does it need to be cleaned between applications (ie; must i remove the old before re-applying)?
I would use it on my Athearn Mike, the pulling power on my grades is a tad bit wimpy. (btw, I found that shortening the trailing truck spring helped a lot, it was actually lifting the rear drivers! but I still think it could do better and stay within current limits.)
and where to get?
thanx
btw, love the name. in the computer mfg business (eons ago) we called rubber cement gorilla snot for what should be obvious reasons.
1) does it wick evenly around the circumference, therefore providing a uniform thickness? any data on +/- variances?
2) How does the added thickness impact other drivers (which would by inference now be a smaller diameter)?
3) does it need to be cleaned between applications (ie; must i remove the old before re-applying)?
I would use it on my Athearn Mike, the pulling power on my grades is a tad bit wimpy. (btw, I found that shortening the trailing truck spring helped a lot, it was actually lifting the rear drivers! but I still think it could do better and stay within current limits.)
and where to get?
thanx
btw, love the name. in the computer mfg business (eons ago) we called rubber cement gorilla snot for what should be obvious reasons.
RDGNUT
New Member
The poop on snot
Extracted from the suffering sinuses of free-range Mojave male frogs as fast as our wranglers can round ‘em up and herd ‘em in … just kidding!!
It is a sophisticated, specially secret formulated, room temperature curing, one-part “green” liquid plastic with unique properties that make it the ideal solution for improving traction on model railroads, slot cars, and numerous other quirky little problems left to your creative fertile imagination.
Using a toothpick, apply one or two drops to a rotating driver (power the belly-up loco). BULLFROG SNOT forms a thin, very grippy plastic traction tire, virtually invisible after it cures. Allow the wheels to continue to turn as you watch BULLFROG SNOT cure, let the laws of physics create a nice round tire. Apply just enough to evenly cover the surface with a thin coat - too much makes a mess. Let it cure overnight, or at least several hours.
Rubber O-ring traction tires rot, wobble, and often fail when there's work to be done, and have been an inherent curse on N scale since the early days. They are not replaceable for most practical purposes, and they can't be adapted to slippery engines that were not factory equipped. Unless you are a mechanical magician.
BULLFROG SNOT was created and developed by an N-scaler to be a traction assist for N scale, but it applies to other scales and applications as well.
The properties of BULLFROG SNOT are ideal:
It is easily applied, and easily removed. Just a toothpick is all you'll need to install, an Xacto knife to remove.
It's ready to go - no multi-part mixing. No witches brew of acetone, RTV, buffalo glue, snake oil, belt dressing, two-sided tape, shrink tubing, chicken bones, eye of newt, or dilithium crystals
No disassembly, no special tools, no surgical skills
It cures at room temp in moments. No baking. No nasty fumes. It's benign and friendly.
It’s easy to see your work, and it cures to virtually invisible.
It is thin – only .0055" when cured
It's tough and durable. Has a good service life.
Leaves no significant residue on the track.
Universal - works for any loco from any manufacturer.
Most engines improve with one axle (two wheels) SNOT'd. Shelf queen steamers come to new life. Optimum placement and locations vary, so experiment! What doesn't work out is easily undone.
Yes, you loose some electrical contact, but most diesels and tender pick-up steamers don't have an issue. The trade-off is worth it.
And when it wears out, which it will, you have already provided for your re-tirement because one ounce of BULLFROG SNOT contains 100s of scale tires.
Keep BULLFROG SNOT from freezing and Kryptonite.
$24.95 is too expensive? Considering the alternatives BULLFROG SNOT is a bargain. But then maybe it's SNOT for you ....
at Amazon.com and eBay while www.bullfrogsnot.com is under construction
(Back in my desert racing days we'd race, pull the engine, split the case, throw in the checkbook, race, split the case, throw in a credit card, and repeat ad naseaum. We sealed things with yellow 3M weatherstrip and adhesive we called "monkey snot")
Extracted from the suffering sinuses of free-range Mojave male frogs as fast as our wranglers can round ‘em up and herd ‘em in … just kidding!!
It is a sophisticated, specially secret formulated, room temperature curing, one-part “green” liquid plastic with unique properties that make it the ideal solution for improving traction on model railroads, slot cars, and numerous other quirky little problems left to your creative fertile imagination.
Using a toothpick, apply one or two drops to a rotating driver (power the belly-up loco). BULLFROG SNOT forms a thin, very grippy plastic traction tire, virtually invisible after it cures. Allow the wheels to continue to turn as you watch BULLFROG SNOT cure, let the laws of physics create a nice round tire. Apply just enough to evenly cover the surface with a thin coat - too much makes a mess. Let it cure overnight, or at least several hours.
Rubber O-ring traction tires rot, wobble, and often fail when there's work to be done, and have been an inherent curse on N scale since the early days. They are not replaceable for most practical purposes, and they can't be adapted to slippery engines that were not factory equipped. Unless you are a mechanical magician.
BULLFROG SNOT was created and developed by an N-scaler to be a traction assist for N scale, but it applies to other scales and applications as well.
The properties of BULLFROG SNOT are ideal:
It is easily applied, and easily removed. Just a toothpick is all you'll need to install, an Xacto knife to remove.
It's ready to go - no multi-part mixing. No witches brew of acetone, RTV, buffalo glue, snake oil, belt dressing, two-sided tape, shrink tubing, chicken bones, eye of newt, or dilithium crystals
No disassembly, no special tools, no surgical skills
It cures at room temp in moments. No baking. No nasty fumes. It's benign and friendly.
It’s easy to see your work, and it cures to virtually invisible.
It is thin – only .0055" when cured
It's tough and durable. Has a good service life.
Leaves no significant residue on the track.
Universal - works for any loco from any manufacturer.
Most engines improve with one axle (two wheels) SNOT'd. Shelf queen steamers come to new life. Optimum placement and locations vary, so experiment! What doesn't work out is easily undone.
Yes, you loose some electrical contact, but most diesels and tender pick-up steamers don't have an issue. The trade-off is worth it.
And when it wears out, which it will, you have already provided for your re-tirement because one ounce of BULLFROG SNOT contains 100s of scale tires.
Keep BULLFROG SNOT from freezing and Kryptonite.
$24.95 is too expensive? Considering the alternatives BULLFROG SNOT is a bargain. But then maybe it's SNOT for you ....
at Amazon.com and eBay while www.bullfrogsnot.com is under construction
(Back in my desert racing days we'd race, pull the engine, split the case, throw in the checkbook, race, split the case, throw in a credit card, and repeat ad naseaum. We sealed things with yellow 3M weatherstrip and adhesive we called "monkey snot")
Last edited by a moderator:
jeffrey-wimberly
Dr Frankendiesel
Traction tires isolate the loco from that much more electricity and they pick up dirt like nobody's business. None of my locos have them.
Cjcrescent
Master Mechanic
Thankfully, I don't have any traction issues in the fleet, so I guess it's snot for me~!
Neither do I!
Besides, I view traction tires as a crutch for a poor design. "Back in the day" the ability of a loco to slip under a load was viewed as a "safety valve" to prevent a motor from stalling out and damaging itself. I still hold to that belief, as I've never burnt a motor out, even with the long trains I pull on my club layout, 50-60 cars per loco. The loco will slip and no harm gets done to a motor.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)