Plastic wheels

[Futuresportz]

I've been able to pick up some Hornby Gresley teaks. They have plastic wheels & I would love to change them over for more robust bogies & metal wheels. Is this possible? Thanks for any help.

[jwealleans]

I assume these are the old Hornby manufacture? I think when you try to get the wheels out you'll find that the bogies are pretty robust.

The new Chinese made Hornby wheels are a drop (read force) fit into these bogies and run very freely. I think you'll find you need to use 12mm rather than the more correct 14mm to keep the same ride height, though.

[Atlantic 3279]

I remember fighting to put steel, pin-point axles into old Hornby Gresley bogies. As JW says, they are tough wee beasties, and I found in many cases that when I had forced the old wheels out and got the new steel axle in, the pressure on the axle ends was too much for free running. To save trying to drill out the axleboxes more deeply, I relieved the end pressure on the axles by splitting the outer stretchers of the bogie with a discrete razor saw cut. The central bolster is still plenty strong enough to keep the bogie in shape.

PS, shouldn't we be over in the modelling forum?

[Mickey]

Yes i once replaced a set of 'wonky' plastic Hornby axles/wheels on a Hornby Battle of Britain tender with a set of 'steel pin pointed axles/wheels' and it improved the tender by 100% for stability & free running

[Blink Bonny]

Ay up!

I am now the proud owner of an almost complete Coronation Scot set and can confirm that the cheapo Hornby wagon wheelsets will fit and improve the running and looks no end. Oh, I forgot the two Teaks (now the Railroad type) that I did the same on.

Go for it, Futuresportz. Not only will your new acquisitions run better but you'll not have to clean your track as often!

[60800]

you'll not have to clean your track as often!

Six teaks and 48 wheels...... don't even go there with the plastic wheel cleaning and track rubbing schedule