geoff_nicholls
Western Thunderer
How much can I trim off a driving wheel flange, and still take the loco to G3 get-togethers?
I'm having the underframe of a J70 steam tram built, to run without skirts, (as per the prototype in BR days) because it would be just right for my layouts, and with Walschearts valve gear would be quite a crowd pleaser on Lea Siding.
However the scale wheelbase is 45mm + 45mm, and the wheels have arrived from walsall at 45.3mm diameter. I can take 1mm off the diameter to bring it down to G3 soc standard 2mm flanges, but could I get away with 1.5mm flanges? I'm sure that would be okay with my cliff Barker indoor track, but what about visiting other garden layouts? the extra space would help accommodate the guide bar support(is that the correct name? )
Does anyone out there have any experience, or thoughts? I'm hoping the axles will be sprung, if that helps.
I'm having the underframe of a J70 steam tram built, to run without skirts, (as per the prototype in BR days) because it would be just right for my layouts, and with Walschearts valve gear would be quite a crowd pleaser on Lea Siding.
However the scale wheelbase is 45mm + 45mm, and the wheels have arrived from walsall at 45.3mm diameter. I can take 1mm off the diameter to bring it down to G3 soc standard 2mm flanges, but could I get away with 1.5mm flanges? I'm sure that would be okay with my cliff Barker indoor track, but what about visiting other garden layouts? the extra space would help accommodate the guide bar support(is that the correct name? )
Does anyone out there have any experience, or thoughts? I'm hoping the axles will be sprung, if that helps.