Run a combination of plastic and metal wheels currently. I'm slowly changing out to Atlas metal wheels, for MT trucks. I made the change because the wheels seem to roll better, sound better and give cars needed weight, at the trucks where it helps. This way, I do not have to weigh my cars down as much, if at all. Haven't tried, or seen any others at my NSLHS.
I'm thrilled with the FVM fine scale metal wheel sets. They look awesome and run great using MTL trucks through out my entire fleet. I also use 33" on appropriate rolling stock. Jerry
I'm also really happy with the FVM fine treads. Although, I do need to have another go with the BLMA axles. I had a bad experience with their first run, but I think they're up to par now. Really great time to be an N-scaler. Can finally get rid of the brown atlas wheels! Bit by bit of course
If it comes with metal wheels I leave them on unless I need to change to a truck mounted coupler, then it is MTs all the way. The only other use I have for metal wheelsets is for current pickup and on occasion for weight such as with very short plastic disconnected trucks.
Why no 33" Atlas wheels on your question? Or are 36" all you can get in Russia. I use Atlas 33" metal wheels for all rolling stock. They have 2 axle lengths that have so far fit all brands of trucks I have. Keith, I also use them for all of your reasons and the fact they cost less then some of the other brands. I tried others and found no difference in them, and the Atlas, that have always been in gauge and the cost less then others.
Switched to the FVM 33" wheels part #3302. Run great and no more gunk ! Also tried the Atlas wheels. They are also OK, But I really don't like the look of them. Just don't look right......Mike
I dont do close up photography work...I run my trains...so I use whats on the car when I get it. I have a mixture of cars...some with metal wheels and some cars have plastic wheels. They all work fine
I like FVM narrow flange 33" wheels. The flanges are the same size as the prototype 36" wheels so I think they look the most prototypical. i am looking forward to seeing the new Exactrail wheel sets whe they cme out (soon I was told).
1) As to wheel size: I m modeller from Russia and make russian models. Therefore only 36' wheels looks realistic. 33' - are too small. 2) As to Metall vs Plastic: I use metall wheels because i need to equip almost all axles with SMD resistors in aim to detect each car by current sensors during shunting work! 3) As to Atlas and InterMountain: They wheel profile is looks not so realistic. They look like a toy! 4)As to FVM: - Narrow (usual) wheels often falls into frog area and wing area of Atlas C55, and it can lead to derailments. - Wide wheels are good for Atlas C55, but when i ordered it at woo woo woo ¤¤¤¤¤ , i also receive different wheels. When i asked they told me that it's FVM mistake! - MoreOver wide wheels with 540(MT) axle cannot fit to microtrains trucks. They can touch trucks by external sides and motion becomes bad! - Newertheless, FVM wide 553 are good for Atlas trucks. 5) Now i use BLMA trucks with 36' wheels instead FVM, because FVM often make a mistake and send different type of wheels. BLMA trucks in combination with it's own metall wheels have good free run, realistic look and low flanges. They have a little bit bigger thickness than FVM orig, and easy pass Atlas C55 turnouts. ---------- Vadim
I prefer BLMA wheels. I've had a lot of problems with FVM fine scale wheels wobbling badly. It seems the FVM wheels from the first run don't have this problem as much as the later runs do. I also tried the new Athearn 33" and 36" wheels and find them to be very good. The new Atlas 36" wheel and 100T truck thats on their new coil car is also very good but not available separately. FVM wide treads than have been factory equipped on later runs of FVM and Trainworx cars seem to be ok. Cars that come equipped with metal wheels don't get changed out regardless of brand unless the wheel is defective.
As info, a scale flange depth in N scale would be .00625" (+/- .00078125") or 1" +/- .125" proto. Also, per all the AAR spec drawings (i.e, H36, CJ33, etc) I have covering wheels from the 1960s to today, flange depth is the same regardless of wheel diameter.
I run long trains,and usually two at a time,60 plus cars.My RR will eventually have four mains.I even run them while I work in the train room,and I have a TV/VCR setup on the wall where I can usually see it even if I'm on the floor..I like it quiet, can't STAND metal wheels,like being next to a highway...I pretty much run nothing but MTL trucks/wheels,glass smooth track..Only downside,sometimes I forget they're running,LOL!!
JMO...I think the jury is still out on whether metal wheels pick up less crud then plastic. I find the amount (small) of crud to be equal with plastic and metal wheels that I run on various cars. YMMV.
I´m using metal wheels from Thomschke a german supplier, but thats all after NEM Standard. I was not so happy with the RP25 stuff.
Silly question, but why does FVM sell their metal wheel sets in different axle lengths? Is this because different truck makers produce different axle length trucks? If so, what is the axle length to fit MTL trucks? What is the difference between the "wide" treads and the "fine" tread wheels? Looks vs. reliability?
Hello! 1) Does MTL = MicroTrains? MicroTrains trucks use 540 length. 2) Yes, different manufactures can make different trucks with different axle length (540, 553, 565, and even longer). 3) FoxWalley wide have more thicker wheel(1.7mm) than narrow(1.5mm). Also, FoxWalley wide have more big flanges(0.5mm) than narrow (0.35mm). 4)FoxWalley narrow dont intended for Atlas C55 track. Use Wide wheels. Else, You risk to have derailments at turnouts. ---------- Vadim
