Replacing wheelsets

[Anonymous]

After reading the forum on replacing plastic wheelsets with metal, the question comes to mind of what is wrong with plastic wheelsets?

[mondotrains]

Hello,
I used to think there was nothing wrong with plastic wheels. However, over time, several wheelsets have gone out-of-gauge because the plastic wheels tend to "slide" on the metal axle. Of course, this can be remedied by gauging the wheels and placing a small drop of CA where the wheel touches the axle. Much has been written about how plastic, being made out of oil-based products, tends to "exude" oil and attract dust/dirt etc. This is why plastic wheels tends to build up a layer of crud and metal wheels don't. Lastly, a real neat benefit of metal wheelsets as I "hear" it is the clickity/clack sound they make on the track. Another minor point; one which another poster mentioned in response to "Replacing Metal Wheelsets" is that some metal wheelsets, like Intermountains, have metal axles which add a small amount of weight right where you need it....at a low center of gravity, which will help them track better.

I've certainly convinced myself that there is a cost/benefit to replacing plastic wheels with metal ones. Heck, I've spent a small fortune on my roster of 500 pieces of rolling stock. If it costs me a couple of bucks to make each one run cleaner, sound better and track better, it's worth it.

Hope this helps.
Mondo

[Anonymous]

Metal is slick. Increases your car's free rolling ability. You could probably
increase the size of your train by 1/3.

Plastic has additives/agents that eventually transfer to the rail head necessiating
frequent rail head cleaning.

If & when you do this, be exremely careful in your replacement selection. Some are
better than others and they do come in various lengths.

Depends upon your rolling stock, which manufacturer etc.

[Anonymous]

http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/002/197xvpbs.asp

[Anonymous]

http:www.nmra.org/beginner/wheelsets.html

http:///.www.micro-mark.com item# 82838 truck tuner and click
on description for exploded picture

[AntonioFP45]

O.K Don Gibson, where are you?

As mentioned on other threads, yes some plastic wheel sets have some great rolling qualities, however, plastic wheels deposit a layer of grime or crud on the rails that actually come from the wheels themselves.

Locomotives wheels pickup thier "juice" from the rails. Rails need to be as clean as possible for maximum contact. Now add in lighted passenger cars.......and of course....DCC! This is why today metal replacement wheel sets are more popular than ever.

Additionally, because of the "slightly" heavier weight, metal wheels tend to be less derailment prone, though good trackwork is always a must. Personally, I like hearing the sharp "clacks" that these wheels make when running through switches.

I have LOADS of brand new plastic wheelsets that I removed from Athearn and MDC freight cars, sitting in a tool tray. I'm going to airbrush a batch of them in PolyScale Rust and use them as a flat car or gondola load....headed for scrapping!

Cheers!

[jsoderq]

Don't want to start something here but the plastic used in wheels does not " exude" anything and if you think so you are kidding yourself. Because of freiction, the plastic generates a small static charge and every bit of grease and dust and grime in your house will be attracted to it and the pressure between the wheels and the rail packs it on the wheel. Now before you run off that your layout room is clean- come on. You think cooking doesn't put stuff in the air - what do yout think sets off your smoke detector. No oil in the air - what about all the stuff your wife sprays to clean the house. Ever look at the filters in your furnace? Ever had a kid with bad allergies?

[AntonioFP45]

O.K, Jsoderq.

But bascially the conclusion expressed by Mondotrains is that plastic wheels deposit grime on the track and metal wheels are an easy solution to this problem. Most of us here agree with that point.

We can't over look that Metal wheels DO GET DIRTY, but over a much longer timer period. I've cleaned a couple of metal wheels on my freight cars, but the dirt on them was a very thin film that came out with two gentle swipes of 70% alcohol on a paper towel or cloth.

You are correct in that there are contaminats in the air. Additionally, carbon residue is formed by the motors of older style locomtives, such as Athearn Blue Boxes and Bowser steamers. So it's just as important to keep your trackwork clean.

[Anonymous]

Not to mention that---STEEL SOUNDS BETTER.

Also the Rolling Stones had an album called "STEEL WHEELS"

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

O.K Don Gibson, where are you?

As mentioned on other threads, yes some plastic wheel sets have some great rolling qualities, however, plastic wheels deposit a layer of grime or crud on the rails that actually come from the wheels themselves.

Cheers!

I think Don is on 24/7 and may be working the extra board so allow me please to add
to the plastic per Tony's train exchange.
"Plastic wheels have additives to give their wheels authentic color, carbon black or other
pigment is added to the polymeric resin before it is used to form the wheels in the injection process.
Thus over time, tiny amounts of these pigments will accumulate at the wheel surfaces and transfer onto the track. The carbon is a partial contributor to the overall dirty track condition".
Other factors that contribute to oxidative degradation are oxidation, organic & external
contamination (tobacco smoke, hair sprays, dust, overspray from air brushes etc)
And as pointed out above, cooking too.

[Anonymous]

I replace all of my plastic wheel sets. LifeLike makes a nice set which has enough to convert three standard 4 axle cars. They lcome in 33" and 36", ribbed or not ribbed types. (hmmm...sounds a little risque[}:)])

And the clickety-clack is nice as a side benefit.

Old Bob at my LHS told me to do this. At first I thought..."cash grab"...but after trying out three conversions, it turned out to be honest, good advice. I also asked here on this forum and got pretty much the same responses that you've received.

Trevor[:)]