I’m in the process of replacing the plastic wheels for the nickel silver type for many of my HO rolling stock. In another forum, I’ve read 33" wheelsets are the most common for freight but I came across 31" wheelsets by IHC at the site internethobbies.com. Most of my freight cars are that of older Life-Like, Bachmann and Tyco cars. Is there any significant difference between the 31" and the 33" wheelsets? And what wheelsets would be geared towards the kinds of rolling stock I have?
Frankodragon
[#welcome]
It depends on the prototype but I’m not aware what uses 31" wheels as a standard size. Usually it’s 28", 33" or 36" for rail cars and 38" or 40" for locos (correct me if I’m wrong folks). What kind of rail cars do you have?
If you change the wheel height you will have to correct the coupler height. You should also be aware of the correct axel length and type.
In HO scale, 2 inches is .023 scale inch, which would be the difference in the wheel size. Most of the Tyco, Life Like, and Bachmann freight rolling stock are models of modern (at the time) cars, on them the 33 inch would probably be right. On the IHC wheelsets, make sure they’re not a throwback to the 60’s oversized flange wheels, they’ll give you problems on anything smaller than code 100 rail.
Here’s a link to another thread started here on forum by jguess733 about Trucks & Couplers.
Rivarossi (and IHC I believe, but I am not sure) passenger cars used 31" scale wheels. Yes, we all know that was not prototypically correct. It may have been to make up for their oversize flanges. To go to scale 36", prototypically correct wheels, you will have to modify or remove the brake shoes on the original trucks. That will also change the ride height. Many people, me included, switch to 33" RP25 scale metal wheels because they will usually fit with little or no problems. Very few people are good enough to be able to spot a 0.034482" difference (36 vs 33) in a non-comparative situation. I also do not fret ribbed or flat backs, possibly because I can’t see as good as I once could, and my primary interest has never been under the trains.
Here’s a page of what this dealer is selling: http://store.yahoo.com/internethobbies/ihcho31rpswh.html
I’ve read from this forum: http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=62648 that this dealer has Atlas 33" wheelsets for HO for cheap but they’re not listed.
As for what kind of rail cars I have? It’s mostly the more current types from the 60’s to current. About half have the current style of trucks (the rotating caps at the end of the axles) type.
As for finding 33" HO wheelsets, any suggestions on where to find 'em good and cheap?
Do a search on that certain auction site. I have gotten both Intermountain and Kadee pretty reasonable, and a bunch of Intermountain for a steal once.
Frankodragon don’t buy wheel sets just because they’re cheap. Buy the correct size (axel length) and type ( cone, sholdered or stepped). If they don’t fit correctly, you’re wasting money.
You need to measure the axels first and knowing what brand of railcar you have helps. Then shop for bargians. Don’t forget to add the cost of shipping ($8-$10) to the price. A pack of 36 wheel sets for $30 + $8 is $1.06 per wheel set or axel.
I think you could find a simular price at a model train show or other internet hobby dealer. Just be sure to buy the correct size axle.