Changing plastic wheels to metal wheels

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am in the process of changing some Model Power freight cars from plastic to metal wheels. Walthers are sold out of Model Power’s metal wheels. Any clues asto what other companies wheels would be compatible or is there a reference chart on these conversions…I did a post on this topic yesterday too…Thanks

2

Any will do.

3

Any will do.

4

Check with Kadee, they have lots of wheels. You can also check with Athearn, most of these products are available through Horizon Hobbys.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=wheels&CatId=TH

5

You won’t need a reference chart for conversions as any company who makes 33" wheels will be compatible for Model Power cars. I ordered Walthers Proto 2000 wheels last week and they were in stock. Also Kadee, JayBee and InterMountain all make 33" wheels. Any will work as A Train mentioned. There may be other manufacturers of good wheels that I left out, but those come to mind. I don’t have a lot of experience with Model Power cars but I would think they only come with 33" wheels.

6

Kadee wheelsets fit most everything from walthers , athearn , atlas, model power,…
33 inches …Green package…

7

Check the axle end shape of the plastic wheel sets (they’re probably pointed) so you get the right replacement. Also, check the wheel diameter (usually 33") for freight cars so you don’t get the wrong size (like 36").

8

Thank you everybody …This is what makes this a great hobby what it is…Great people like you…A great day and no derailments to all of you from Nova Scotia

9

For most freight cars up to 70 tons, 33" wheels are correct, while 100 ton cars and those heavier generally use 36", although there may be exceptions to both types.
Another thing to watch for with some trucks is axle length: the axle length of the replacement wheelsets should be similar to that of the stock wheels. If you’re going to the trouble of changing out the wheelsets, it’s a good time to use a “truck tuner” tool to clean up the bearing holes in the sideframes at the same time. In fact, even with the stock wheels, the tuner can improve rolling qualities.
They’re available at any good hobby shop or from MicroMark.

Wayne

10

www.discounttrainsonline.com

11

Go with Intermountain. Slightly more expensive, but well worth it, especially if you get their “semi-scale” metal wheelsets.

12

Don’t forget the 28" wheels on most intermodal cars, and some piggyback flats.

13

REGARDLESS of what sizes the Railoads use, 98% of our models come with 33" and 36".

To deviate from that causes height differences and coupler misalignment’

Not all metal wheels are equal:

  1. HEAVIER is better tracking. (Adds unsprung weight) .
  2. NICKEL SILVER and BRASS conducts elecrical information better.
  3. MACHINED axel points roll better (reduce friction) with plastic sideframes/ journals.

SOME manufacturers are using NON-NMRA trucks & axles to save money. NMRA wheelsets will NOT fit NEM trucks (& vice versa).WHO does what, is Trial & Error.