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QUOTE (Brian Considine @ 19 Sep 2008, 07:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Surely there must be a way round this, even if the flangeless wheels have to be kept for small radius curves - next thing we know it will be back to flangeless centre drivers.
We chewed this over earlier this year http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index...?showtopic=4440 Clearly some people like this compromise, but it is completely unnecessary as the Bachmann A1 illustrates.

However, Hornby have made it pretty clear that they see their core market as 'quality train set' purchasers, who want product that is trouble free for set track operation. The sales they get clearly justify this position as far as they are concerned, so those of us wanting something better have to sort it out for ourselves. Annoying, but unlikely to change.

 

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QUOTE (pedromorgan @ 24 Sep 2008, 06:36) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Can anyone confirm that the flanged wheels are included as suggested?

To me at least, that is the perfect soloution, and so simple!
It is better than not having them, 'tis true. But if you want to run the loco with them installed then for those I have played with so far significant work is necessary, examples follow.

The A3 and A4 pacifics wil take the flanged wheelset without modification, but it is carried above the rail surface, and limits the loco to about a 54" minimum radius. Either carving the mounting, or removing it entirely for substitution with a home brew inside frame truck, is necessary for those of us with smaller radius curves.

Inserting the flanged wheelset into the Britannia is near impossible, as the flanges foul on the rear of the (very nice) truck frame casting. Cut clearance for the flanges, and modify the mounting to let the axle drop enough for the wheelset to run on the rails, it will manage a 36" radius curve. For smaller radii, treatment as described for the A3 and A4 chassis will be necessary.