[Graham Plowman]

QUOTE (Gary @ 13 Dec 2006, 02:40) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>How well will the Lima DMU run without traction tyres?

It is a heavy unit and the coaches are not that free rolling. There is not too much weight on the drive area. You may find that wheels start slipping and the unit could be hopeless on any form of incline. Are you convinced that a conversion will improve performance?

What opinion do others have?

Happy modelling
Gary

I fitted Ultrascale to my 117 power car and Gibsons to the trailers. It works fine although it probably wouldn't pull more than a 3 car unit and would struggle up hills through lack of grip, neither of which are issues on my layout.

Graham Plowman

 

[Graham Plowman]

QUOTE (double00 @ 14 Dec 2006, 04:22) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have several locomotives (diesels) fitted with tyres, and find these tyres are a tight fit. Seldom do the tyres require replacement other than when perished by long use.
I am probably wrong, but would guess that probably the wrong size tyres were fitted to the Lima 117.

There is another benefit of fitting Ultrascale wheels to Lima locos, especially the BO BO configurations such as the DMU and HST.
The traction tyres, coupled with vibration from the motor, cause the models to wobble to such an extent that they are constantly loosing power on the pickup wheels on the motor bogie. This is observed with quick build-up of dirt in comparison to other models.
By fitting Ultrascale wheels, the wobble is removed and you get far better pickup as well as reliability and appearance.

Agree that added weight is a good idea.

Graham Plowman