The LNER Encyclopedia

I have recently experianced skidding when setting off on my 4472 tender, i noticed that there was a rubber tire on one of the wheels but not on the adjascent wheel of the same axel is this normal, if it is could you suggest another reason for this problem.
Thanks in advance Mick

Depends!

You didn't mention the scale or manufacturer (or vintage).

I have models where traction tyres are on both wheels of an axle (eg. my Bachmann Consolidation), or only on one side of a series of axles (eg. Union Mills tenders). The latter does it this way because the other (non-tyred) wheels are used for electrical pickup.
(Union Mills have split pick up - the loco picks up from one rail and the tender picks up from the other)


Richard

The tender is from a Hornby train set about 15 years old, 00 gauge

Sounds like a tender drive OO gauge? Probably needs new tyres as they are for traction

Mick

Hi O.P.
The traction tyres lose their elasticity with age (plus oil contamination) and also tend to swell slightly. This results in the wheel spinning inside the tyre or the tyre slipping on the track. There should be two tyres on your tender, both on the same side, the wheels will have a groove machined into the tread for the tyre to rest in. You can still get replacements from specialists advertising on the web, not too expensive and they are relatively easy to fit, just a bit fiddly. If you look at the more modern versions of the Scotsman from Hornby you will be amazed at how the model has evolved! Good luck with the repair.

I have looked at the other wheels and see clearly a groove where a tyre has come adrift, I think I`ll replace both so thanks for the advice