Just dug out my rail painter to do some painting with it and discovered the wheels need replaced and the web site says it’s down. Walthers says they are unavailable, anyone else make anything close to his items?
I was never real delighted with my Rail Painter and much preferred the Testor’s paint sticks, but I realize that is not your question.
There are sources of thin foam rubber. It is sometimes used inside multi-disc sets of Compact Discs, and is sometimes used as a protective packing material for various items. It may well be something you could find if searched at a general hobby or craft type store, in sheets, but the typical “craft foam” is too dense. It should be possible to use a punch or stamp of some sort to cut a foam disc of the right size. Remember that the slightly smaller clear plastic discs on either side of the foam disc are what give the system enough solidity to actually run along the rails, so don’t lose those (although they too could be made with clear plastic packaging material and a paper punch).
I wonder if a sheet of felt could also be used to make your own wheels.
I have seen internet references to something called headliner material which is foam backed and evidently seen not only at auto supply stores but also at Joann fabric – one person said that tiny scraps would probably be given away free at an auto repair center. it may be worth checking out, but again you’d be making your own discs.
I know this is not terribly helpful but it is the best I can come up with.
Dave Nelson
I searched around and found his web site and ordered new rollers, I have my rail air brushed already I just wanted to be able to touch it up in a few places. I found him here at joesmodeltrains.com and it says to leave a message and they will get back to you, and it was a quick reply and bought enough to last a few years. Jim.