Ribbed vs flat inside surfaces of freight wheels

[astapleford]

What is the significance of ribbed surfaces of the inside faces of wheels? I have been replacing most of my freight car wheels with metal wheels. Some wheels come with ribbed surfaces, and others are just plain. Are there cars that have ribbed wheels and others that don’t? Just wondering.

Thanks

[cacole]

Ribbed wheels were made of cast iron. The purpose of the ribs was to dissipate heat and prevent the wheels from shattering during a prolonged brake application. Overheated cast iron wheels shattered and caused many serious accidents over the years.

Smooth backed steel wheels began replacing cast iron wheels in the latter part of the 1930s to early 1940s, and became mandatory on any rolling stock in interchange service in 1958.

[peahrens]

I change my rolling stock wheels to metal and have Proto 2000 in smooth and ribbed back 33" wheels and Intermountain only smooth back. I try the P2K ribbed back on older cars but often find the IM roll better so use those if that’s the case. Frankly, I never remember to notice this detail but the ribbed backs could be a nice touch in photos if it showed.

[PM_Railfan]

For models, ribbed wheels are just for looks. Aesthetics.

For the real thing, back when ribbed wheels were used, it was to strengthen the wheel without having to use more metal. Models do not need this. The real thing did.

You can see ‘ribbing’ used today in all forms of steel and iron work. And many other forms of media, even plastic and cardboard. Being that there are ribbed wheels and not, gives the modeller the option to model either type wheel.

Unless your model is going to be inspected by a ‘rivet counter’ or entered into a contest for accuracy, it doesnt matter what you use. Wheel diameter, flange height (vs track code), axle length, and to some degree, tread pattern are the important factors when deciding on wheels.

IMHO, i think the ribbed wheels do look better.

[_JaBear]

Unless your model is going to be inspected by a ‘rivet counter’ or entered into a contest for accuracy, it doesnt matter what you use.

“Rivet Counter” Alert!!![(-D]
Here’s a couple of links to previous threads on the subject…
[url]http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/13/t/47414.aspx [;)]

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/13/p/206728/2261614.aspx

Cheers, the Bear.[:)]

[wp8thsub]

I got your nerd alert right here from my post in an earlier thread:

According to this source http://www.vbfamily.com/Wheeldoc.htm , cast iron wheels without ribbed backs were discontinued by 1952, and new or rebuilt cars could no longer used those with ribbed backs as of 1958. No new cast iron wheels could be added to existing cars by 1964, and they were completely banned from interchange in 1968. Most other sources seem to claim 1970 as the ban date, as with the info quoted by Andy Sperandeo here http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/152100.aspx .

[dknelson]

From time to time I still see ribbed wheels on flat cars in captive industrial service. Not so long ago they were fairly common on cars in work train service but most such cars have now been retired, or sit in dead lines.

Dave Nelson

[astapleford]

Thanks to all for the interesting info! The earlier posts were great, too. This is the kind of thing that can trip you up if you’re not aware of the history…I am sorry to say that I am tripped up on the ribbed wheel subject! I have many cars with the ribbed wheels that I converted. No wonder why the flat backed wheels are harder to find at hobby shops!

-Al