Class 37 - ViTrains RTR conversion

[merlin46]

Hi Gents
This is the way I choose to convert the ViTrains Class 37 to 18.83mm gauge. They are alternative parts available, but this is currently my preferred way of doing it!
The conversion is straight forward & should not pose to many problems even for the inexperienced modeller.
Parts reqd are as follows:-
1) An 'OO' gauge ViTrains Class 37 of your choice.
2) 6 axles of 14mm plain disc coach wheels - I use the nicklesilver ones from Branchlines with 2mm axles.
3) A P4 back to back gauge - I use the one from exactoscale that excepts the gear wheel attached to the axle.
4) G&W wheel/gear puller for 2mm axles.
5) Assorted 2mm washers to be used as spacers. I used 10 off 8BA washers:-)
6) Gear spacer made from 60thou styrene to a width of 7.6mm.
Pictures below show the before & after.
BFN
Tim

[shipbadger]

Tim,

I note that you decided to reduce the sideplay on the centre axles with washers, is this a necessity or does it just make putting the loco on the track easier?

Tony Comber

[merlin46]

Hi Tony

Yes. it does make it easier to sit it on the track

Tim

[Captain Kernow]

John Farmer (one of the builders of 'Matford', which will appear at RailWells this year) has converted a Vi-Trains 37 using an Ultrascale conversion pack originally designed for a Bachmann 37. I can't quite recall the details, but Rod Cameron and I will no doubt be mentioning this new forum to him at the next D.R.A.G. meeting, so hopefully he will log on and advise how he did it. What I can say is that the loco is a silky smooth runner (in DC) and can be seen on 'Matford' on 9th and 10th August at Wells.

Tim