Metal Wheels Prices

[Independent Operator]

Wanting to replace the plastic wheels on some of my rolling stock that needs metal wheels now; I went to ebay and saw what people are charging for them.  Wow! 

Does anyone have a source that does not charge an arm and a leg for metal wheels?

[captain perry]

I have been using Bachman metal wheel sets. They are pretty reasonably priced.  they are also pretty good.  they are cast white-metal with a chrome plating.  they come in "Large" and "Small".  they run fairly smoothly but not as smooth as the machined steel wheels on the market.  I have many miles on some of mine and I have started to wear the plating off some of them but they work fine none the less.

Gary Raymond's wheels are better but are pretty pricey.  if you have heavy cars or are putting a lot of miles on them the machined steel wheels may be worth the money. 

 

--Eric

[g. gage]

Howdy Rudy; you didn’t mention any price parameters. I suppose it comes down to what is cost worthy. All of my rolling stock has steel wheels. Granted prices have gone up, ten years ago USAT steel wheels were $10 a set at the LHS now they’re pushing $20. However I still buy them; the rails on my track powered railroad are cleaner, cars have a lower center of gravity and a passing train with steel wheels sounds more like a 1:1 train.

 

Have fun, Rob   

[smcgill]

g. gage

Howdy Rudy; All of my rolling stock has steel wheels. Granted prices have gone up, ten years ago USAT steel wheels were $10 a set at the LHS now they’re pushing $20. However I still buy them; the rails on my track powered railroad are cleaner, cars have a lower center of gravity and a passing train with steel wheels sounds more like a 1:1 train.

 

Have fun, Rob   

I use USA's metal wheels also!

East Coast Large Scale show  is the place to get a good deel!

Sean

[cacole]

I use Bachmann metal wheelsets and about the cheapest source I have been able to find is RLD Hobbies.

http://rldhobbies.com/partsaccessories_1.aspx 

[Independent Operator]

Thats a good lead.  I appreciate it.

Thanks

 

cacole

I use Bachmann metal wheelsets and about the cheapest source I have been able to find is RLD Hobbies.

http://rldhobbies.com/partsaccessories_1.aspx 

[jegame77]

First of all I must ask you if you are a "runner" or an "operator". If you are in the second group, try Bachmann wheelsets. "Free rolling" wheelsets are VERY "free rolling" and you could not couple cars in a swithching yard, this kind of wheelsets are not useful in an operator layout when you need switch at every station. But if you are a "runner" and wish to run long trains, try Gary wheelsets, they are the best. Jorge Modeling Belgrano meter gauge railroad in 1:22,5 at Buenos Aires

[Independent Operator]

A couple of days ago I received an email from someone offering used metal wheels.  Somehow that email got wiped out.  Could that person please post that information here.

Thanks.

[St Francis Consolidated RR]

hiya duder dude...check your messages

[sfcgadget]

I switched to Bachmann several years ago due to the quantity/price situation. The old plastic wheels just made the whole electrical power through the track a real pain. When I rebuilt my layout, "The Bearly on Track Railroad", I installed a complete electrical bus. That helped a lot, but the switch to metal wheels made the day. They don't seam to melt onto the track in the summer and if they get dirty, they are easy to clean. Track cleaning is a first time in spring event now. Another side effect is real clickety clack sounds!

[SNOWSHOE]

I also use the Bachmann wheels mainly because of the price.  You can get a set 4 wheels) for $9-12 depending where you get them from.  RL and wholesale are good places.  The best is at shows.  As nice as some of the other brands are  cant see sending $20+ for a set.  The same goes for couplers.  I use Bachmann because they are cheap in price plus I know a lot of people who dont use them so i get them for free.