traction tire for steam loco?

[Green_Elite_Cab]

Years ago I bought a Spectrum train set featuring a Pennsy K4 with three passenger cars. This Chriatmas I decided to run some HO trains instead of my N scale. To my dissapointment this K4 doesnt seem to have the pull I had expected. I live in a older house which has settled which in turn gives a natural grade to my track. If I have the three cars behind the Loco--it will not pull them up this small grade. My question is: Can I find a driver set with traction tires for this Locomotive? If so, where can I purchase them? I also have a small 0-4-0T that does the job just fine! :?

I definitely would check to make sure those passenger cars roll REALLY easy (as in roll down a slight hill with no nudges, or anything, just simply releasing the cars). If the coaches don't roll free, then they are probably holding your K4 up.

Weight and its distribution are also important. It may sound counter intuitive, but the "larger" steam locomotive will probably have less pull than one with a "lesser" wheel configuration. In the case of your K4, you have 6 drivers all distributing weight, and 4 pilots/ 2 trailing wheels that may also be "taking the weight off". Your 0-4-0 on the other hand has all of its weight on relatively few drivers. It automatically is going to be able to hold onto the rails better than your K4, despite its small size. If you can get more weight right above the drivers in the boiler somewhere, this would be the most Ideal solution.

I don't know if there are drivers with traction tires that will fit that loco or not. You may want to try bullfrog snot. I think that is what it is called. You apply it with a brush, after it drys it acts like a traction tire.

I love Bullfrog Snot, and I use it on many of my diesels and Electrics. That said, be VERY careful when using it with a steam locomotive. If any of the snot gets flung into the side rods and other gear, its a PAIN to clean and can cause the model to jam. Just gotta be careful with it.