How to determine proper wheeset size ?

[GMO Fan]

I am doing some freight car build projects, and want to upgrade the plastic wheelsets to metal wheelsets. How do you determine the proper size wheels to go with [?] 33", or 36'' [?]
I plan on getting a caliper, but thought you all could give me some general insight. [%-)]

[trolleyboy]

Most normal height cars ie boxcars , gondolas, open hoppers covered hoppers use 33" wheels tankers generally use the 36" as well as some of the oversized covered hoppers. My understanding is that intermodal autorack spine cars etc will use 28" wheels, you are probably best to check the car manufacturers the specs are usually listed with them. Good luck. TB

[Anonymous]

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

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

http://www.reboxx.com/Tools.htm

Remember, not all wheel sets are created equal.

They vary in axle length.
P2K 1.008, IM 1.013, KD 1.018 etc etc THANKS! Nigel.

[Don Gibson]

There are exeptions, but 99% of our models use 33" for freight and 36" for passenger cars - including when the prototype didn't. It's cost effective.

I BUY bulk JayBee machined wheelsets - always in gage - preferring them to stamped versions.

[jrbernier]

Here is what determines the size of the wheels: Weight on the axle. Generally, larger axles have larger wheels.

o - Most 50-70 ton capacity cars use the 33" wheelsets.

o - 100 ton capacity cars use 36" wheelsets.

o - Some of the newer 112-125 ton capacity cars use 38" wheelsets.

As noted in a previous post, many intermodal cars use a 28" wheel - this is to keep the overall height as low as possible(clearance restrictions). These cars usually have a much lighter payload as well. What this all means is that cars like grain hoppers usually have 36" wheels(and 38" on some of newer covered hoppers). Older cars like box cars will have 33" wheels(uless they are 100 ton capacity).

Jim Bernier

[mcouvillion]

GMO Fan,

As Jim Bernier stated, in most cases cars 140,000 lbs gross weight or less run on 33" wheels. Above 140,000 lbs, on 36" wheels. I look at the numbers on the side of the car. It has helped me get my coupler height right, since I don't need shims under the trucks on larger rolling stock when the correct 36" wheels are used! Who would imagine that the manufacturer's designers built these cars for 36" wheels, and they ship them with 33" plastic wheels to same money / minimize parts inventory.

Mark C.

[Anonymous]

Mark C.
One of Walther's Gold Line selling points is that this line has the correct wheel sets. I've also seen the latest Atlas R-T-R has the correct wheel set as well. Looks like the manufactureres are listening.

[GMO Fan]

A big thanks to all for the advice, and explanations given. [bow] It will definately help me in detailing my fleet. [tup]

[dave9999]

I see your question has been answered. I just wanted to say "hello, neighbor". I'm in Pensacola.
Do you plan to go to GATS in a couple of weeks? I went to the Pensacola show last year... it was
all right, nothing spectacular. I did find some pretty good deals. We are going to Biloxi that weekend
so we might stop by the show on the way home... IF I have any money left[:D]. Good luck. Dave

[GMO Fan]

Dave,
good to hear fom ya, "neighbor"! I do plan to go to the GATS at the fairgrounds, provided I don't have to work. Not sure on that yet [V]. I have not been in the last couple of years. Last one wasn't that great either, but still some interesting items, sights, people, etc....

PS....No need to go any further on the money (or lack thereof) issue [:P]

Also.....I see there are two LHS listed for your neck of the woods...Bobe's, and Trains by Johnson. How are they ? Worth my time to drive over ?

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GMO Fan

Dave,
Also.....I see there are two LHS listed for your neck of the woods...Bobe's, and Trains by Johnson. How are they ? Worth my time to drive over ?

Pat,
I can't compare them to the shops in Mobile... I've never visited them. But, they
would be worth the drive.

Trains by Johnson has a wide selection of HO, N, O and even Z and large scale. They also have just about any other item you might be looking for, including DCC and sound decoders. They also have an operating layout in the store.

Bobe's has a nice selection of HO and N. They are a full fledge hobby shop with R/C cars and planes, model car and plane kits, and other hobby and craft supplies. They are also a very friendly and helpful group of people.

So if you are in Pensacola, make sure to stop in at BOTH shops... I think you
will like them.

Now, let me ask you the same question about the shops in Mobile[8D]. Dave

[GMO Fan]

Dave,
We do not really have any "great" shops. There is a Hobbytown in west Mobile that has some HO and N scale stuff, Woodland Scenics rack, etc.. Nothing great. Prices are decent believe it or not though. There is a store called ACMR in downtown Mobile. Azalea City Modelers. I have not been there in quite sometime. They were working on a HUGE layout. I do not know the current progress- status on it however. They don't have alot of selection, and the prices ain't great either. The store is hard to get to also. Parking is difficult also.
Thats about it for us. I can not figure why we do not have a good train store. I will def. check the two over in P'cola out soon. Thanks for the info !