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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by Snake I know this question is most likely a matter of opinion but now that my layout is closer to being able to actually run a train on it I am looking at the "hand-me-down" rolling stock that I got from a friend back in the mid-80's when I was doing MRRing at that time. The Trucks and Wheelsets are plastic and from what I read here on the forum plastic wheels should not be used as it causes the track to get dirty faster. 1. When I start replacing the plastic wheels with metal, would it be a good idea to go ahead and replace the plastic trucks with metal? 2. If I replace the trucks Is there a big enough advantage to go ahead and spend the little extra while I am replacing and buy roller bearing type? 3. And last but not least which manufacter would be a good choice, Kadee or ?? [/quote] 1) I would recommend that you replace the plastic wheel (wheelsets) with metal wheels, but you don't necessarily have to have metal truck sideframes. Most sideframes are made from a plastic called delrin which is slightly oily and self lubricating. Metal sideframes would require occasional lubrication to reduce friction. 2) I am not aware of any model trucks that have real roller bearings. Model trucks are all (plain/friction and roller bearing) made pretty much the same way. Just different designs. You can certainly upgrade your rolling stock with simulated roller bearing trucks if you wish. Its your railroad after all. As for me, I have been installing Kato trucks on all of my rolling stock with a few exceptions. Those with unique sideframes such as archbar and T-section. For those I am installing metal wheelsets from Reboxx (www.reboxx.com). I chose the Kato trucks due to their excellent rolling characteristics. (BTW: Kato trucks have metal wheels). In fact, they may roll too well! The easier a car will roll, the more cars your loco will be able to pull. There are other manufacturers of wheelsets and trucks you can choose also. This is what I chose. 3) Kadee is good. So is Northwest Shortline, Life Like P2K wheelsets, Atlas trucks/wheels, etc. I have a little of everything on my line, but all are metal wheels. However,as stated above, I like the Kato trucks. The Kato roller bearing trucks have rotating bearing caps which you might like if you want roller bearing trucks. If I were you, I'd try sampling the different products - get a set of each, install them on your cars and try it out. Make your own evaluation and go which what you like the best. You might want to get a coupler height gauge if you change trucks or wheels. You may need to adjust the car height. Also be aware that wheels come in different diameters (33" is common), which will also change the coupler height and could effect how the trucks rotate under the car. Dale B.
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