Trackmaster Revolution (TMR) New releases

[Ucwepn]

I don't think they are there for traction but simply so they actually spin, the plastic on plastic axle to body connection is such a poor quality that without the spikes they would simply get stuck. Also they probably only want to mould one wheel type for all rolling stock. I believe the first time I ever saw plastic axles was on fisher price Trackmaster 1 Donald and Douglas tenders.