has anyone had a problem with Walthers locomotives/ rolling stock making Scrubbing noises? I’ve heard theor wheels can be a touch out of tolerance. Is it possible to change the wheels in a locomotive? I’ve gauged them with the NMRA gaug; they pass.
It is possible to change out wheels in a locomotive, but you must match the gearing back up.
Some have used Athearn wheelsets in older (Pre-Walthers) Proto loco's, etc... as the gear ratio matched.
IIRC though, Walthers units have a different gearing ratio, so that trick won't quite work.
I have no Walthers locomotives, so I can not say for sure what wheelsets will and will not fit them.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
NWSL would be the place to look for loco wheels. Their online catalog does not specify Walthers but they have quite an assortment.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
If the wheel gauge is within spec, that's not likely to be the cause of the noise. "Scrubbing noises" is a bit vague...is the noise constant or intermittent? Many cars with underbody detail may emit noise if the wheels can rub against some of those details - this is more common on curves, especially tighter ones. Also, how's your coupler height? If you use Kadees, or Kadee clones, the uncoupling pin can rub on uncoupling magnets, level crossings, and the diverging rails within a turnout. Even if the coupler is at the right height, the pin may need to be adjusted.Another cause of noise is wheels rubbing on the underside of the car itself. This can be caused by wheels too big (or, on older cars, with flanges too big), or by the car sitting too low on the truck's bolster. Kadee sells fibre washers in .010" and .015" thicknesses to correct that situation.For diesel locomotives making that noise, check for truck or underbody details that have been knocked or bent out-of-place. Also check that the truck sideframes aren't laterally askew, with the result that the back face of one end will be rubbing against the face of the wheel.
Wayne