I've been converting my HO rolling stock to Walthers P2K 33" and 36" flat back wheels for the last 3 years. I've been purchasing them from three or four of my favorite online stores in lots of 10 or 12 cards at a time. I know the price has gone up, but now I'm finding that none of my favorite 'haunts' has the 33" wheels in stock. What gives? Is there a shortage? Is this a short term situation or should I consider switching brands to IM or Accurail?
Help!!!!
Len S.
You might want to take a look at Bachmann metal wheel sets; they are my alternate to P2K and cost slightly less. The pnly down side is they are nickel plated, so you will have to paint them. Unlike P2K, they are all metal with one side insulated so, if you need electrical pickup, they will work.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-42904
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-42903
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
LenSI've been converting my HO rolling stock to Walthers P2K 33" and 36" flat back wheels for the last 3 years. I've been purchasing them from three or four of my favorite online stores in lots of 10 or 12 cards at a time. I know the price has gone up, but now I'm finding that none of my favorite 'haunts' has the 33" wheels in stock. What gives? Is there a shortage? Is this a short term situation or should I consider switching brands to IM or Accurail? Help!!!! Len S.
Have you asked your LHS why they weren't carrying them? Most will do so if they see someone that wants them. Most will only carry what they see moving.
Springfield PA
Last time I looked for Proto 33 inch wheels my LHS was out. I was told they are on back order. But, I am not adding much rolling stock so it not a big deal to me.
I hate Rust
I was disappointed with my last batch of P2K 33" wheelsets. Three of the wheel sets had flanges with significant rough spots. I hope that they aren't having outsourceing problems.
Joe
I went through the same waiting game with Intermountain 33" and 36" wheels. They were hard to find just about anywhere, then suddenly they were plentiful again. I have had no problems with Intermountains.
Once available again, I bought bulk bags of 100 each when they are available.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/imr-40055.htm
P2K wheels are plated too......I had a few that were a little bumpy ....only to find out there was an issue with the plating.
Dennis Blank Jr.
CEO,COO,CFO,CMO,Bossman,Slavedriver,Engineer,Trackforeman,Grunt. Birdsboro & Reading Railroad
Where are they manufactured? Is it possibly due to foreign shipping or other recent Chinese supply problems?
They've always been made in China. I've never had a bad set yet. I always get mine from MB Klein, although they are no longer as cheap as they were pre-Walthers. Klein's used to get them really cheap being in close proximity to the LL HQ in Baltimore. They also appear to be out of stock presently. Maybe the 33" wheel machine broke.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I've never had a bad set either but also never paid any attention to the country of origin. Usually delays equal the location though. Seems that there have been more delays out of that country lately. We're seeing it at work as well.
For the last couple of months, I've been running all my rolling stock thru the "shop" making sure they are weighted right, have metal wheels, kadie couplers, etc,etc. A few months ago, when I was getting supplies, I also noticed most of my "go to" sources for P2K 33" wheelsets where out.They seemed to have alot of the ribbed back, but none of the smooth back. I eventually found someone on Ebay selling them in lots. I picked up 15 packs @ $6 per pack. After reading the above posts, I checked some of my wheelsets and darned if I didnt find some bumpy spots!!!!
I've always bought mine from MBK also. Yes, the price did go up some, but not as bad as the $10 at my LHS. Maybe there are several loaded containers somewhere on the Left Coast, full of these things and waiting to be unloaded. We can hope, can't we????
Len S
This might be my fallback position. Are there any significant differences in P2K and IM?
don7 I went through the same waiting game with Intermountain 33" and 36" wheels. They were hard to find just about anywhere, then suddenly they were plentiful again. I have had no problems with Intermountains. Once available again, I bought bulk bags of 100 each when they are available. http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/imr-40055.htm
It's always better if you add the quote that you are referencing. My Bad!!!
Is there a passenger wheel set that will fit Trix HO pass. car tracks? I bought some really nice looking Kadee from local shop, but they have plastic axles which won't work for light pickup on Trix cars. It needs to be insulated with metal axle.
That package of wheels had a couple of really rough wheels.
Most modelers I know prefer the intermountains and wouldn't touch the P2000 with a 10 foot touching pole, so I'm somewhat surprised at the love they're getting here. I've used P2000 and Intermountain both and like them both. you will not have a problem with either.
I've been buying P2K 33" and 36" wheels since the early 2000's and except for one damaged wheel flange, I've had no problems with them. I've always purchased extra packs in anticipation of buying more freight cars so I still have several. However, I purchased my last pack in 2008.
I wonder if perhaps quality control issues may be coming up if these wheels are being cast from the original Life Like molds from the 90s?
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
JoeinPA I was disappointed with my last batch of P2K 33" wheelsets. Three of the wheel sets had flanges with significant rough spots. I hope that they aren't having outsourceing problems. Joe
I stopped buying the P2k wheelsets about a year ago when the flange and tread imperfections began to show up. Since then I have only been using InterMountain.
John Timm
Hmm, after hearing the amount of p2k probs maybe it's time to switch to intermountain or other.
Hamltnblue Hmm, after hearing the amount of p2k probs maybe it's time to switch to intermountain or other.
Me too! I'm glad I brought this topic up. I'll change the direction of my search and start to look for IM wheels.
This is great information. Thanks to all for sharing.
The main difference is that the IM wheels are machined while the P2k wheels are molded. You get a more consistent result from the former.