Well I've decide to use the Fox Valley wheels exclusively on my cars. Now however, I am faced with the task of trying to match the wheels with the cars/trucks. Is there a guide or index somewhere that explains what wheels to use with which manufacturer and car? Even the website state a couple different choices for each company. Also, I feel kinda dumb asking this but what size wheel, 33" or 36" is used for what cars? I know it depends on the type/year of the car but how do you figure that out for each car?
Newer Atlas, use the middle size. The largest size is really only for older Atlas. I've found the middle size to work with Con-Cor and Athearn trucks, too. Best course of action, I think, is to buy the sampler pack first and test the cars yourself to see what else you need to buy. Search this forum, there have been quite a few threads on the this topic. 33" wheels go with 70-ton trucks, 36" wheels go with 100-ton trucks. If you have questions about specific models, feel free to ask us here! good luck!
Concerning Athearn: at first they used the same trucks and wheel sizes as Atlas, but later they changed the wheels. The latest Athearn models use the same wheel size as Micro Trains. In comparison you can see that Athearn wheels have more rounded flanges, and they are less free rolling. A short list based on what I converted so far: FVM 3301 MTL trucks, newer Athearn trucks FVM 3601 new Athearn 100-ton trucks (e.g. the new PS-2 2600 covered hoppers). I also use them on some MTL modern cars, though the MTL trucks are not 100% prototypical for 100-ton trucks. FVM 3302 Atlas trucks, at least those equipped with Accumates. Also used them in Bowser Crown trucks. Also fit in the old Intermountain trucks. FVM 3602 Atlas 100-ton trucks FVM 3303 so far I have not found a truck in my stock that takes this size FVM 3603 used them in WoT 6-axle passenger car trucks, mixed with 3602 (a very special job!!) I started with buying a 12-pack of each FVM size and then checked and tried. There are some strange effects, e.g. the FVM wheels are not running freely in MTL Archbar trucks, but MTL low profile wheels do. Same in MTL 1137, the coil-elliptic PRR trucks. In general I do not intend to convert everything to FVM wheels, but the number of converted cars will grow over the time. They look great and run well. Actually, we had this before. It might be a subject for "modelling tips" section.
There is a thread in the How To Forum on wheel sizes for trucks (bogies) and rolling stock. Please search there. It should have all you need for prototype sizes.
Read my article on metal wheel sets on my website below. I discuss the different sizes of FVM wheel sets and where to use them.
Just another data point, these seem to fit the Deluxe Innovations woodchip car w/ MT trucks (dlx-105501) pretty well, whereas the other sizes don't. Also, the 3303s seemed to work acceptably well with Walthers GSC flat cars (932-28211), although 3302s fit them more loosely.
I'm still trying to figure out which Fox Valley wheels to use on Fox Valley rolling stock. I don't think any are labeled for their own product.
I have a bunch of atlas cars to replace wheels on. Would it be possible that Atlas used different sized trucks on a single car? I see FV makes two lengths of wheels for Atlas trucks.
Slightly tangential, but what the heck - Rivarossi passenger trucks, none of the FVM axle lengths fit very well, but Atlas metal wheels for Atlas trucks do nicely. Too bad really as I prefer the FVM ones.
I use InterMountain metal wheels for most passenger equipment since the trucks obscure almost all of the wheel faces. But I've been converting the freight fleet to FVMs as time and funds permit - probably around 100 or so cars done, another 200 or so to go.
Atlas does make trucks that accept different lengths of axles, but I don't think the two difference axle lengths should be on the same car. Look closely and see if you can tell the difference in the two trucks.
Does anyone know which Fox Valley wheel to use with the following Athearn cars: 33.9K LPG tank car. Bay window caboose. Thanks
