Metal Wheelsets

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have over twenty various types and manufacturers of HO rolling stock kits that I wio weather. But first,I wio convert the wheel sets provided to metal. My question is do I buy 33" or 36" wheelsets? Does it depend on the type or manufacturer of rolling stock(ie;box car vs. passenger car;Athern vs Walther)? I am new to this hobby and can find no resource for this issue.

2

wheel size is determined by the type of car, and primary use. For your purposes,check the wheel size provided with the model, and replace with the same size metal wheelset. You might want to consider ordering wheelsets in bulk for this project. Talk to your local hobby shop, they should be able to help make your decisions. Also,
the brand of rolling stock might determine the brand of wheelset you need. Again, your local hobby shop should be of help here.

3

I have converted many most of my rolling stock to metal wheels, and have used many different brands in the process.

Kadee - sintered brass wheels/plastic axels
LBF - Brass wheels/axles
P2K - Sintered Steel wheels/plastic axels
InterMountain - Brass wheels/axels
JayBee - Brass wheels/axels

I think I prefer the P2K wheelsets for the following reasons:
a) cost
b) detail
c) available sizes

I have been able to find good deals on all of the above mentioned - except JayBee on the internet - especially Ebay, and have been able to get bulk rates for them, usually getting 10 cards of P2K whhelsets, in which I was able to mix/match the types I wanted.

Metal wheel advantages:

  1. puts weight down low (lowers center of gravity)
  2. more realistic detail
  3. better rolling qualities
  4. sound
  5. they stay cleaner than plastic wheelsets

Which type to use, depends on the era you are modelling/type of equipment

Passenger equipment - pretty much 36" on everything.

Freight equipment - 33" is most common, but the
more modern equipment rides on 36".

The ribbed back wheels will be on euipment that is basically pre 1970, and any MOW equipment, or non-interchange equipment.

AAR set rules about the one-wrought wheels (ribbed back) that said these would have to be gone by a certain date (1972??)

Hope this helps

Brian

4

I’ve heard that most rolling stock takes 33" wheels, and that’s what I have on mine.