I'm sure it's not just me but, over the last 5 years, as underframe detailing has been increased, issues with free running have increased? I'll cite some examples I have experienced/ read about but feel free to add any as I model (99%) transition era so may have not heard of any others
In no particular order:=
NGS - Ferryvans
Rapido - Conflat-Ps
Sonic - VEA/Vanwides
Revolution - IWA and Mk5s
It's quite disheartening to received your rolling stock and find it can't freewheel along the track, especially as when it's on the track you can't even see much of that detailing. I have to say I have never experienced such problems with my purchases of Dapol and Farish (+EFE)
What do others think?
The Revolution IWA had burrs on the axle ends - nothing to do with any extra detail.
The NGS ferry vans and Rapido Conflat Ps were fine on the pre production models, but both had issues with the full production run - again not due to the email.
My VEA are fine, any issues might be with the van wide chassis.
The issue with the MK5's is that they use inside bearings, so the underside detail isn't the issue.
The Rev's IZA's had brake shoes in line with the wheels, but they tended to rub on the wheels, so that is one example of where better detail led to problems.
Easily fixed though.
Regards,
John P
About five years ago when we were in rented accommodation I tested all of my wagons for free rolling. A considerable number did not roll well, mainly Farish, but in batches of wagons of the same kind some would roll well and others poorly. A lot was down to minute bits of flash in the wrong places, and I managed to get them all to an acceptable standard. In general, any new Farish or Dapol wagon seems to run OK. My Rapido SECR wagons don't run quite as freely, but are OK, while the 27 Conflats Ps that Steve Wright bought for James Street still don't run brilliantly despite going back for remedial work at Rapido. A lot of them are OK but a few are pigs!
I've no idea what is causing the problem, maybe ever finer models with thinner side frames and hence more flexibility to allow axles to not run as sweetly as they should?
It is a shame though....
Dave