Martin Goodman
Registered

Back in 2000 I was given a LGB starter set 78302. It is only now 23 years later I have got it out of the box. The loco works fine, but I noticed the track becoming sticky after a few circuits. On inspection of the loco, I see that the two left hand wheels have a rubber type band inset into the wheel which I assume is to aid traction. The rubber has perished, becoming sticky and flaking off. The gold label on the bottom of the loco is 901029 so the loco was made in 1999. Is this a common fault? Does it matter if the rubber comes away? Will it affect the overall traction of the loco? Can one get replacement rubber tyres to put back on the wheels? Any advice would be gratefully received.