DK123GWR Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 I have been trying to sort out a few problems with my ViTrains 37 this morning. It is a traction tyred version bought second hand from Hattons. I have noticed that one of the wheels has a very different flange to the other 11 (and indeed to any other wheels I have seen before). Can anyone suggest why? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Colin_McLeod Posted August 30, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2021 Which wheel in the photographs are you referring to? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
'CHARD Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 I've just spot-checked half a dozen of mine, and none have anything like that - I feel sure I would have noticed before TBH. I reckon that's a manufacturing error. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DK123GWR Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 1 hour ago, Colin_McLeod said: Which wheel in the photographs are you referring to? The bottom right of the top photo, which is bottom left in the middle photo. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete the Elaner Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 I would expect issues with that. How can you set back to backs when the wheel dimensions are so unusual? I guess ViTrains spares are not available. Do other manufacturer's wheels fit? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium spamcan61 Posted August 30, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 30, 2021 (edited) That is one peculiar wheel profile, not seen anything like that before, post 1970 at least. Edit: apart from Brio Edited August 30, 2021 by spamcan61 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andymsa Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Was it brought recently then I would return it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DK123GWR Posted August 30, 2021 Author Share Posted August 30, 2021 1 hour ago, Andymsa said: Was it brought recently then I would return it. No it wasn't. When it runs it's excellent, but it's been having a little trouble with short circuits (decoder touching PCB - my fault) and pickups recently (they're an odd design too - but at least all the same as each other). It was only on taking it apart that I noticed the strange flange. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andymsa Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 17 minutes ago, DK123GWR said: No it wasn't. When it runs it's excellent, but it's been having a little trouble with short circuits (decoder touching PCB - my fault) and pickups recently (they're an odd design too - but at least all the same as each other). It was only on taking it apart that I noticed the strange flange. then I guess trying to obtain a spare replacement is only option but if it was running fine before I would leave it. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
naugytrax Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Based on the tread profile, that wheel is intended to carry a traction tyre. Which is odd, because I thought that VITrains locos had 8-wheel drive with no tyres. Could a previous owner have swapped something? 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium spamcan61 Posted August 30, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted August 30, 2021 1 hour ago, naugytrax said: Based on the tread profile, that wheel is intended to carry a traction tyre. Which is odd, because I thought that VITrains locos had 8-wheel drive with no tyres. Could a previous owner have swapped something? The wheel that does have a traction tyre (top left in top photo) has a normal looking flange though, rather than that weird, thick, almost semi circular profile the bottom right wheel has. Very strange. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold BR Blue Posted August 30, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2021 (edited) The first few batches of Vitrains 37s had traction tyres, the later ones did not and neither did the 47s. The traction tyres are not needed and I remember getting spares and replacing them. I got the complete axel as a spare. Unfortnately, I am not sure where the ones I removed are otherwise you could have them. I do recall seeing someone replace them with other tyres for re gauging to EM so it is definitely possible. Edited August 30, 2021 by BR Blue More information added Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RexAshton Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Could be a manufacturing fault which may explain why Hattons had it as secondhand. I'm not familiar with V trains chassis but would it help running if you fitted in place of the centre axle so it's not leading into pointwork etc? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Colin_McLeod Posted August 30, 2021 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 30, 2021 7 hours ago, DK123GWR said: The bottom right of the top photo, which is bottom left in the middle photo. I see what you mean. Looks like either a manufacturing error, or the wheel has been changed for some reason by a previous owner. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dj_crisp Posted August 30, 2021 Share Posted August 30, 2021 Vitrains used a 2mm axle if that helps. I'll see if I have any spares when I converted mine... but think I sold them on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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