Displaying locomotives

[Anonymous]

I don't have room for a layout and hate having my fine looking locomotives in boxes. I have put several of the locomotives in a display case on the wall. Will the wheels develop flat spots over time?
Thanks for your assistance!
Tim

[vsmith]

The only way they will develop flat spots is if they are dragged over the metal rails continuously without and turning the wheels. if they are displayed static like most are, then they shouldn't be any problems. Your biggest enemy will be dust, invest in some good glass or acrylic display covers and dont place them in direct sunlight. some plastics are very UV vuneralble.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice!
Tim

[dknelson]

If I can just add to the discussion ...
Metal wheels will not develop flat spots just by sitting. However if you have rubber traction tires on your locomotives (to add pulling power) the rubber may dry out and crack over time and I suppose in theory the "memory" in the rubber could create a flat spot which presumably could disppear when the engine is used again.
The bigger issue is that lubrication can dry out too over time so there may be some work needed before an engine on display for a long time is back in top shape.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Dave. I appreciate the information.