Dybbstalbahn - Austrian Narrow Gauge in G Scale

1) Locos with rubber tyres tend to wobble as a rubber tyre can never be as true as turned metal.

2) Locos with rubber tyres pick up and deposit dirt on the track. We are all agreed that replacing plastic wheels for metal wheels on rolling stock is a good idea so why put plastic / rubber wheels on your loco?

3) Locos with rubber tyres do not pick up on as many points which is bad news on four-wheeled locos with or without skates.

4) Locos with rubber tyres pulling a heavy load up a grade may look impressive but the strain is all on the nylon gearing which will wear rapidly. If you run without tyres, there is no strain on the gears as the wheels will slip on the rail first. In normal situations you will find little difference in hauling capability, running with or without a tyre.

5) Locos with rubber tyres that constantly pull heavy loads, apart from stripping gears will also stretch their tyres. This can lead to tyres coming off and maybe cause derailments and possibly more damage.

6) Locos with rubber tyres will eventually require replacement tyres due to perishing, usually when you least want them to. It is no use keeping spares in stock as they will perish just as quickly in your spares box as the ones that have just failed on the loco.

7) Locos with rubber tyres when running on a wet rail will slip more than a loco with all metal wheels. Wet rubber against metal is a lubricant with water also getting between wheel and tyre as well as between tyre and rail.

8) Locos with rubber tyres go click-thud click-thud over rail joints instead of click-click click-click.

I replace ALL my traction tyred wheelsets with non tyred wheelsets for many reasons .....