Prewar O Gauge Stock\Passenger Wheels

[JonEddy]

Is there any difference between the wheels used for Lionel and American Flyer prewar O gauge cars?

     Thanks,

         Jon

[NNJRailfan]

I have an early pre-war Flyer set (3112 I think) that appears to be in the same scale as the larger pre-war Lionel (e.g. Lionel's 253, not 152).  Although I haven't done a side-by-side comparison, it appears to me that the later pre-war Flyers and Lionels are not the same scale.  While a slight difference in the outside diameter of the wheels might not significantly impact performance, even a very small difference in the diameter of the axles would.

[Penny Trains]

To put it simply, because I don't know the specifics, yep.  All prewar trains were compatable as far as gauge is concerned, but each manufacturer had it's own molds, dies and ideas.

[Nationwidelines]

I would say that it probably depends on the year of manufacture and type of car.  I know that American Flyer used at least 2 different diameter wheels on their O gauge cars between 1907 and 1937, possibly 3 different diameter wheels.  I have never actually measured the diameter of their wheels, but with 100+ sets to examine, I know there is a difference.  

Additionally, I would guess that the actual manufacturing style/design of the wheels would vary and if you looked at original wheels by each manufacturer, you would be able to distinguish which company made which, due to varying design features.