Aristocraft Traction Tyres

Jeff

Registered
Hi

Currently my workbench has an old Aristo U25B loco getting some restoration and conversion to battery power. Now what it rally needs are replacement traction tyres (or should that be tires). Does anyone know of a source for the real thing or a suitable alternative.

Also it needs just one brake shoe (Aristo 22100-86) if anyone could help it would be much appreciated.

Jeff
 
If it has traction tyres it must be a fairly old unit - Greg Elmassian's site says he thinks tyres were discontinued in about 2000 and I'm inclined to agree - I bought the 4 axle blocks in quantity from about 2003 until Aristocraft closed two years ago and I never saw anything other than the Mk4 version with no traction tyres and purely cosmetic side frames.

So I'm guessing genuine 38mm tyres to suit will be rare things. There is a paint on product called bullfrog snot available, but I've never used it so can't comment either way.

I do have spare plain wheels for the Mk4 type block, but I can't tell you whether they'll fit your Mk1/2/3 axles or not. Obviously a pair of nice new Mk4 trucks would solve the problem quite simply, but they might be more than the loco is worth.

I might have a spare brake shoe, I'll have rummage in the relevant boxes and PM if I do.

Jonathan
g-bits
 
If they are 38mm then shouldn't be a problem as Massoth sell 37.5mm tyres, item 8315105.

[edit]

I thought 38mm sounded a bit large: just measured my old U25B, the diameter of the tyred wheel is more like 35mm.
The original Aristo part number was ART 29405.
I've only got some 29404 in my bits box( and they are 38mm) - I bought those for the 0-4-0 / 2-4-2 Rogers.

Al Kramer is offering suitable tyres on US ebay - I've just ordered at set for my spares. ebay item 311461966241

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If they are 38mm then shouldn't be a problem as Massoth sell 37.5mm tyres, item 8315105.

I stand corrected - 35mm they are. Serves me right for going from memory and posting from my phone instead of looking up the wheel diameter and doing it later.

Jonathan
g-bits
 
Thanks for your comments, I thought it was old but not that old! As you say not worth changing the motor blocks yet.
The beast does run but it seems to catch on the free swinging points and so the second bogie goes off in the wrong direction. My thought was that the groove for the tyre was causing this and so I will try rubber bands first to see what happens.
 
The tyres from US eBay are costing me about £16 including postage (for 8 tyres), hopefully won't get stung for too much on top of that when they arrive in the UK.
 
I noticed, at the Exeter Show today that Liskeard Railway Models has these rubber loco tyres in stock.
Anyone wanting them should give Nigel a call: 01579 349950
 
Thanks for that Devonian.

Also Greg - I was taken with the strange bogie supports but do see the reason for them now. Thinking of lubrication for the rollers reminds me of the old Graham Farish gears where some lubricants would encourage the gears to split. I was thinking of using Jarvis Model Oil,
 
You will all be pleased to learn that the posty today delivered a set of Aristocraft Tyres from Nigel at Liskeard Models. A charmingly helpful man, and somewhat cheaper than the US Ebay price. Now if only Liskeard was closer to Glasgow I suspect that the shop could be a serious money drain.

Jeff
 
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