I run classic linker American Flyer steamers on vintage steel track. I keep a light coat of oil on the track rails to aid electrical conductivity, electrical pick-up and to retard corrosion. However, classic linker steamers do not have Pul-mor traction wheels and that presents a problem for me with a 2% grade on my 5-scale mile hirail branchline layout. I decided that I have the following options:
- Use Bullfrog Snot
- Swap out the rear drive wheels for Pul-mor drive wheels
- Remodel my layout to eliminate the 2% grade
- Sell off my classic linker steamers and go with all knuckle coupler steamers with Pul-mor drive wheels
- Put rubber bands on the drive wheels
I discarded ideas 2-4. Option 5 is a good one, if the rear drive wheels have the extra-large flanges. One of my locos do, so the bands are on order. More on that when they are tested.
Since this is a retro-style vintage layout, I reject the notion of using modern electronics on it. However, Bullfrog Snot is not a modern electronic component. So, I bought some Bullfrog Snot and applied it according to the directions. It went on green - presumably so one can see what one is doing during the application process. It dried clear, which is nice because I didn't want green drive wheels. I put two coats on, with about 10 hours dry time between coats. I gave the final coat a 24 hour dry time.
Without Bullfrog Snot, I could haul one action car, two freight cars and a caboose, with a lot of wheel slipping. With Bullfrog Snot, I can easily haul two action cars, two freight cars and a caboose, or two New Haven action pax cars and two New Haven coaches with no wheel slipping. I'm guessing that I could haul more, but it is not really necessary, so I am satisfied. The only question that remains is how long this treatment is good for. Today is May 7, 2011. I'll revisit this post when the Bullfrog Snot needs replaced. STAY TUNED! lol
May 09, 2011 update: I found that I can tow five linker action cars + a caboose up my 2% grade with my non-pulmor Hudson. The rear drivers have Bullfrog Snot as a traction aid. Now I can do a little ops session by loading those cars at various places and unloading them at other destinations around the RR.
June 02, 2011 update: Still going strong!
May 09, 2011 update: I found that I can tow five linker action cars + a caboose up my 2% grade with my non-pulmor Hudson. The rear drivers have Bullfrog Snot as a traction aid. Now I can do a little ops session by loading those cars at various places and unloading them at other destinations around the RR.
June 02, 2011 update: Still going strong!