?'s about N-Scale metal wheels

[tattooguy67]

Hi all, i have a few questions about metal wheels for N-Scale box cars. First off i see wheels listed as 33" or 36", as in 33" metal wheels sets, now am i right in my thought that this refers to the diameter of the prototype or real wheels on a box car or other type of car such as gondola, flat car, ect.. Also what is the differance between those two listed sizes? ( other then the 3" of course lol ), was one size used on passenger cars and the other on freight cars?. Second off does anyone know of a brand of metal wheels that works well in Micro Trains trucks/couplers?, i have tried a lot of different ones from my parts box and most don't seem to roll very well and i really don't like plastic wheels at all. and lastly off i have recently been buying some English goods wagons, i think they are all PECO so far and they all come with plastic wheels and it looks like the axel is just i wee bit longer then a standard box car wheel set, and the diameter looks slightly bigger, does anyone know of a metal replacement for these, as always thanks for any and all info.

[Packers#1]

Hopefully this will turn up some great results. I prefer metal wheels as well. All I use is Bachmann metal wheels. (yes, bachmann got something right). That might work, but IDK if they're available seperatly. For what it's worth.

[jrbernier]

Welcome,

  First of all - 33" wheels are appropriate for 70 ton capacity cars, and 36" wheels are for over that range.  Most box cars fall into the 33" range, and covered hoppers fall into the 36" range.

  As far as M-T trucks.  As you have found, not a lot of wheel sets will roll good in their trucks.  I have great luck using the special 'M-T compatible' wheel sets made by Atlas(150-22133).  These are 33" wheel sets and roll very well in M-T trucks.  You are are your own for 36" wheel sets...

 

Jim Bernier

[wm3798]

If you can find them, Fox Valley Models makes outstanding metal wheelsets for N scale.  They come in axle lengths compatible with MT trucks, as well as several other brands, so make sure you specify the right ones.  These are made from brass and are plated to look like steel.  They have fine scale flanges, but track beautifully.  They are also available in 33" and 36" sizes.

The biggest drawback to the Atlas wheels is that they have steel axles, which wreaks havoc if you use magnetic automatic uncoupling.

Lee 

[retsignalmtr]

33 inch wheels are for freight cars. 36 inch wheels are for passenger cars.

[R. T. POTEET]

33 inch wheels are for freight cars. 36 inch wheels are for passenger cars.

This distinction has not been true for many, many, many years although passenger cars do still use 36" radius wheels; you even find some 28" diameter wheels under double stack cars - double stacks do not carry nearly the weight of covered hoppers, for instance, and the smaller wheels lower the height of the load to increase clearance.

[decoderboy]

I just got an e-mail from one of my suppliers re INTERMOUNTAIN-RAILWAY items for new release. They will have metal insulated wheelsets for micro-trains trucks for October delivery. The stock # is 60052 for twelve sets for $7.95. Check the web site.

 www.intermountain-railway.com

They have other wheelsets and trucks also coming on.

Mike