EF63 traction tyres?

[sunbeam]

Hello,

This is my first post, I did try and say hello in the new members section, but don't seem to be able to?

Anyway, HELLO 

I've been modelling Japanese 'N' for 15 years, and had a large exhibition railway here in the UK called JR Coast, can be seen here :-

http://www.ngaugesociety.com/index.php?mact=Gallery,mf416b,default,1&mf416bdir=35th%2Fjrcoast&mf416breturnid=65&page=65

I sold this railway some time ago, and am still thinking about my next one, can't quite sort what I want in my head just yet !!

Anyway, my question. I bought a new Kato EF63 3057-1 from Plaza a few months ago. I didn't know it is a 'helper' loco, so it has no traction tyres. I don't need a 'helper' so want to run it on it's own. With no tyres, it will not pull strongly. Is there anyway I can buy 2 axle sets with gears, wheels and tyres ready to fit, so I can simply replace two axles so it becomes a 'normal' loco ??

I have no contacts for Japanese spares since the dealer I used to use sold up years ago 

I'm hoping this forum can help me sort out these little problems I have, or even better, find some sets I would like 

Many thanks,

Rob 

[Bernard]

Rob - Welcome to the forum and that is an impressive layout that you posted!

As for traction tires, if you can't find the exact tire there is a product called "Bullfrog Snot" (yes no joke that is the products name) You can apply on the tires and it will give you the traction you need. Since I'm in the US here is a link to one of the US retailer:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=bullfrog+snot&Search.x=0&Search.y=0

[Mudkip Orange]

Yeah, I like the crossing bridges. Will definitely look forward to seeing how your next one turns out.

[sunbeam]

Hi,

I know of Bullfrog snot, I don't really want to use it. What I'm looking for is replacement axles with wheels, gears and tyres already fitted. The EF63 I have does not have tyres fitted as standard, it has 12 smooth wheels.

I'm told it is like that because it is a 'helper' loco (banking) so as not to fight with the other loco??

I need the part number of an axle set that has the tyres fitted to the wheels on an axle with the gear to fit the EF63. Or the E-mail of a helpful shop that can help.

Otherwise I'm going to have to Ebay this new model and buy a standard EF63?

Thanks,

Rob.

[keitaro]

wow like the bridges too. I have a very similar plan on the next layout I want to do when I get a bigger place.

as for the ef63 i may be bearing bad news.

the EF63-1 and EF63-2 (as well as improoved model) are both secondary support usually EF62 + EF63 + EF63 or EF62 + EF63

Unfortunately none of these models have the grip.... all use 3057zd1 driving bogie 3057-2c3 dolly bogie ?? from what i gather.

as quoted by kato
"This locomotive was used with the Shinetsu main line of Nagano prefecture, Japan.
It is connected to help other trains. Because the reason is because there is a sudden incline called the Usui mountain pass between Karuizawa Station from Yokokawa Station"

http://www.katomodels.com/n/ef63/

In terms of using a bogie from a ef62 which I can't tell if has grip or not may fit but it really is hard to tell without physically seeing both models together. Since the EF62 is the puller it would probably have grip though.

usually helped pull kiha 82 189 kei and 489 kei

btw* the Usui pass was stopped in 1997

[sunbeam]

O dear 

I've just put it on Ebay as it will be to much agro to try and fit it with 'proper' tyres.

I've just bought an EF64 from Plaza to replace it  (and a Super Hitachi) 

Thanks,

Rob.

[clem24]

In terms of using a bogie from a ef62 which I can't tell if has grip or not may fit but it really is hard to tell without physically seeing both models together. Since the EF62 is the puller it would probably have grip though.

Just to add, the EF62 is a Co-Co arrangement while the EF63 is a Bo-Bo-Bo arrangement.