Traction tires or bullfrog snot?

[RobertInOntario]

I use bullfrog snot on my AEM7/ALP44 fleet, as well as some of my other locomotives. These small engines were either hauling a 13 car Amtrak train or constantly running back and forth as part of a commuter train on our club's open house season.

In particular, my ALP44 ran on the same application of bullfrog snot for almost three years. This allowed the little engine to pull more prototypical sized trains.

Here is what I have learned-

• I have not had it dry up in the bottle, and I bought mine a few years ago.
  
• This is NOT something you use once or twice. It really needs to be removed and reapplied periodically.
  
• It will wear down after a while as I have learned with my ALP44.
  
• It WILL collect dirt, and it won't let go. It should be fine for a while, but there is a point where it will need to be removed and reapplied due to dirt.
  
• Care needs to be taken when applied to steam locomotives, so that it does not get caught in the side rods, for obvious reasons.
  
• It pays to have a cradle and some method for keeping the engine running while upside down while applying it
  
• It can be a little tricky to apply. Its a little tacky, and sometimes tends to clump. I flat bladed screw drive helps smooth it as the wheel spins
  
• That same flat bladed screw driver can also remove the bullfrog snot if necessary.

Thanks -- this is helpful and clear up several questions I had. Still trying to decide between tires and this option though!