25
MTH SD70MAC Operating Instructions
Periodically, check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt buildup as
this can significantly affect the engine’s ability to perform properly. Dirty
track and dirty wheels can cause both poor electrical contact as well as poor
traction, especially on elevated track sections. Finally, dirt and oil build up
can prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires.
TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires on
the middle axle of each drive truck. While these tires are extremely durable
and long-lasting there may arise a time where they will need to be replaced.
Should this occur, you will need to remove the trucks from the chassis and
the trucksides from the trucks in order to slip the new tire over the grooved
drive wheel. Figures 7 and 8 identify the screws necessary to remove the
body and trucks from the chassis.
Before the new tire can be installed, you must make sure the old tire has
been completely removed from the groove in the drive wheel. Use a razor
blade or small flatblade screwdriver pry away any remains left from the old
tire that may still be in the drive wheel groove. Once the old tire has been
completely removed, slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find it
useful to use two small flatblade screwdrivers to assist you in stretching the
tire over the wheel. Be careful to avoid twisting the tire when stretching it
over the wheel. If a twist occurs, the tire will have to be removed and
reinstalled or a noticeable wobble in your engine will occur when operating
the locomotive. In addition, it is important to make sure that the tire is
Body Mount
Scews
Body Mount
Scews
Body Mount
Scews
Figure 8: Removing The Body From The Chassis