Picked up a Tichy flat car and I want to replace the plastic wheel sets with metal wheels. I tried some Intermountain metal wheels but they have too much friction in the Tichy side frames and do not roll freely. I looked more closely and the Tichy wheels have much narrower pointed ends on the wheel sets than the Intermountain sets. Any suggestions as to metal sets with narrower axle ends or any other suggestions to open up the Tichy side frames.
I’ve been replacing worn out old trucks with Tichy plastic trucks. They work fine with my Intermountain wheel sets.
When replacing wheel sets, I recommend using a Micromark truck tuner to clean out the bearings and provide a smoother truck.
I have built several Tichy freight car kits and fitted all with Kadee metal wheelsets. I don’t remember whether I needed to use the MicroMark truck tuner tool with the Kadee wheelsets, but this tool will definitely help you get the Intermountain wheels you have to turn smoothly.
Looks like I might need to get the Micro Mark tool.
A little pricey, especially with their postage and handling. Even so, one of the better purchases you will make.
Of course, you might find a medelling buddie that will RENT you theirs - with an appropriate deposit. Merely lending you theirs will likely not happen: he’s still waiting for his neighbor to return the tree pruner he lent him four years ago. Oops, the neighbor moved to Arkansas in August!
[:'(]