I noticed my Bachmann F-9 engine does not have traction tires installed, is this a necessary item? I purchased the engine at a flea market sale so I am not too sure what came with the engine when new. ;D
I've not seen one with traction tires. That is not to say none ever existed.
If the loco was built with traction tires, one pair of wheels would be made with a groove in the wheel tread surface to hold it. No grooves=no traction tires.
Les