maxi stack freight car

[crisco1]

Hi, 

   What size wheels does an Ho Maxi stack freight car take?

[dbduck]

single car or  multi unit?    for some reason I am thinking that on some of the multi unit cars that the  end trucks have different size wheels than the intermediate trucks

I have an Athearn single unit double stack well car. I just measured the wheels with my digital caliber  0.381"   or 33" in HO

[ATSFGuy]

Are your cars RTR or kit versions?

[crisco1]

I thought that Maxi stack unit cars have 33" wheels on the ends, and where

the other cars meet.  I thought the protype uses 38" wheels, but no one makes

38" wheels in Model railroading.

[maxman]

crisco1

I thought the protype uses 38" wheels, but no one makes 38" wheels in Model railroading.

Intermountain:  

Intermountain #40048 Wheels 38" Code 110 12 Axles Per Pack HO Scale

[jjdamnit]

Hello All,

Depends on the manufacturer.

Some are equipped with 28-inch (scale) wheels.

The best way to tell is with 33-inch wheels and a coupler height gauge.

Coupler gauges are less than $20.00 and will be a valuable addition to your model railroading toolbox.

• https://www.kadee.com/ho-scale-tools-and-accessories-c-272_230_237/206-ho-insulated-mutipurpose-coupler-height-gauge-p-315.htm
• https://www.micromark.com/Coupler-Gauge-for-HO-Standard-Gauge

Install the wheels and measure where the coupler falls. If the coupler is too high then smaller wheels are needed. If the coupler is too low then larger wheels are needed.

If the coupler height is spot-on then CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You do not need to invest in different wheelsets until you determine the proper coupler height.

Hope this helps.