I have several HO Santa Fe Streamline passenger cars, but one is missing a brake wheel. I’ve searched the layout, even vacuumed much of it, but still can’t find it. There are plenty of brake wheels for sale, but I need a 16" one to clear the diaphragms, and none of the sellers (Tichy, Cal Scale, Detail Accessories, Kadee) list the diameter online. I checked flat cars and tanker cars, but they all have a hole in the center. My best bet now is to track down a part number I can search for before I spend too much money buying brake wheels based on pictures alone. Anyone have a part number?
I have had luck with the hoseeker website in the past.
I went to the HOseekers web site. Not much luck there but I do appreciate your response.
Get a 3-D printer and make them yourself. A little pricy but you will be able to learn something and make many unusual parts.
I agree. A nice Creality printer with a bunch of amenities is 200-something dollars, about the same as a low-end DCC locomotive. 3D printers are truly invaluable, and can save an enormous amount of money: imagine never having to purchase scale automobiles, figures, small structures, and so much else!
That’s because all real brakewheels are basically the same size, so all the HO models are about the same size. If anything, Athearn HO ones are maybe a touch bigger than the higher priced / thinner detail parts from Tichy, Detail Accessories, etc. Any one of those brakewheels should be fine. Go to the local hobby shop and see what they have in stock.
Otherwise, I believe Athearn freight and passenger cars use/used the same brakewheel, so you could just buy some direct from Athearn…
I disagree. Brake wheels come in various sizes for different types of uses. Here’s a quote from Dave Nelson that you might find interesting. In the meantime, I’ll keep looking.
Thanks
Better yet, maybe you guys could print some off for me with your 3D printers. I’d save $200.00 and wouldn’t have another tool sitting on the bench. Ha!! Just kidding. Thanks.
Rick
Actually, I’d be glad to oblige if you would pay the shipping and send me the measurements!
Seriously!! I’ll pay the shipping! How about if I send you one and you could measure it yourself right on site. They come off very easily. What would you be charging me for the work?
Rick
A 16" brake wheel would be just shy of 3/16" diameter in HO.
I finally acquired a part number 90598 but of course they are all sold at many of the sites I visited.
That’s where I am right now.
Thanks to everyone that responded to my posts.