I want to make my heels look like steel wheels by painting them bright silver but will this affect the way they ride?
If you are talking HO, the P2K as stated is a favorite replacement.
Bear in mind that replacements comes in a number of sizes but generally 33" & 36"
36s are used in passenger and over 100 ton capacity freight cars.
Also comes in ribbed back wheels and smooth back wheels depending upon the time period of the prototype.
I assume you’re talking about black plastic wheels? and painting the treads?
I wouldn’t advise painting them. I’ve done it and the paint wears off the wheels and onto the track. Most of the time you can’t see it anyway.
If you’re really sensitive to the appearance, get some metal wheels. Then paint the bits that aren’t to be shiny. Keep the paint of the pointy ends of the axles.
David
Your best bet would be to use the P2K wheel sets.These have the silver wheel treads.They are a drop in fit for mosr cars,like Athearn,Model Die Casting (RoundHouse),Accu-Rail and Walthers cars.