I am having a problem with Athearn cars rolling too easily, even after adding weights. I think the problem is there isn’t enough friction with the metal axle and plastic frame. Accurail doesn’t have the problem since it is plastic on plastic. Other than replacement of the wheel sets, how can one make the cars more manageable?
thanks. Let me know how everything turns out. You can email me at basman24@yahoo.com
Terry
If your cars are rolling to easy, are they on a grade or incline? Is your benchwork level? I had to install better wheel sets in quite a few af my Athearn cars, I have many of them. From what I’ve heard and read most people want their cars to be free-rolling. This keeps from bogging down the motor in your locomotives. You might try some wheelsets with plastic or fiber axles such as Kadee or Life Like. This will give you the plastic on plastic you’re looking for.
Terry
the problem is when the cars go through switches. They have a habit of “bucking” and re couple when I don’t want them too. The bench work is level, just have the problem on the switches.
Now it’s time to get an NMRA HO gage to check if the wheels are spaced properly. If they are to narrow or to wide it could cause the problem that you are having. If that’s not the problem then check to make sure the switches are not faulty.
Let me know of the outcome.
Terry
good idea,Terry.
I changed my wheel sets to Accurail and the problem went away. Anybody want to buy a bunch of metal axle wheel sets? lol
Dan when you gauge the wheel set. Make sure that the wheel are aligned. Otherwise the car will torque of the track. The wheel set that drive me crazy are the ones that come with the Walther cars. The wheel are out of round. I always have had good luck Athearn sets.