Hall and Grange driving wheels

[edcayton]

I have been comparing my Bachmann Hall with my newly acquired Hornby Grange and I cant really detect a difference in driving wheel diameters. They should be 6'0" and 5'8" respectively, ie a difference of just over 1 mm in 00. It occurred to me to wonder how precise these dimensions were on the prototype-how accurate when new, and how much they decreased to before being re-tyred.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Ed

 

also, I have read that the step in the Grange's running plate was just to make enough room for the nameplates. Really?

[melmerby]

There were reports at the time the "King" class was being prepared that the 6' 6" wheels which were used to get the desired tractive effort were what Castle wheels (6' 8 ½") wore down to!

AFAIK It was originally intended that the King would have 6' 8 ½" wheels but they needed the few extra pounds of T.E. to get the required figure for the 'Record'

 

That may just be apochrypal but gives an idea of the amount of wear possible before new tyres would be provided.

 

Keith