Are Proto 2000 silver wheelsets metal or just shiny plastic? I can’t tell. I did notice they don’t clickety clack like my KD wheels, but they track just as well. [?]
They are indeed metal. Just not very good metal. Intermountain makes the heaviest wheel sets.
AggroJones,
That would explain why the Proto wheels tend to cost less than the other brands of wheels. Next time I have to buy metal wheels, I think I’ll try Kadee or intermountain.
Josh
Spokane, WA
I used to be a big fan of Kadee wheelsets until I tried the IM sets…I really like the IMs particularly with my Walthers kits. I won’t pass up on Kadees if I find a good deal on them, but I seem to have to ream the sideframes more often than IMs, to get a smooth roll. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever had to ream sideframes with IMs because of the size of the points. I haven’t had a problem with the IMs being loose in the trucks either, some folks have though.
Hello Guys!
AggroJones, Dharmon and those of you that own or have owned the Proto metal wheels. Have you had problems with them or are there potential problems?
I’m currently replacing all of my HO freight and passenger cars with metal wheels. About half my fleet already has the Protos. I have Athearns, MDC, and Rivorossi cars. I was hoping that these wheels would last many years. I’ve never tried any other brand but am willing to if it will help prevent “future headaches”. Would appreciate your input!
Thanks! AFP45[:D][8D][:)][;)][8)]
I have had no issues with P2K wheels. I have a selection of different supplier’s metal wheels, and use which ever fit best. One the samples that I have measured; P2K have axle length of 1.008", IM are 1.013" and Kadee are 1.018".
The only Proto or Atlas wheelsets I own came on kits. I have dropped both Kadee and IMs into Walthers, Athearn, MDC, Eel River, McKeen and some other cats and dogs. IMs are by far my favorite. I won’t say the best because I have no empircal evidence to say that. I haven’t had any problems per se with any brand, but I have had to make some minor fittings/reaming with the Kadees that I did not have to do with IMs. I haven’t had any of the four brands be out of gauge or warped or anything like that. I guess it’s all preference.
Thank you all for your input and answers. As a couple of you pointed out, Intermountain does indeed have the best wheel sets. I happened to have some P2K wheels and found a bargain on a large purchase of KD’s. [^]