I have a 'bunch' of HO cars that were given to me and they don't roll too well, understatement. Some are Fleischman and need new trucks for sure. The others just don't roll better than a rock. I've looked over the forum but could not find anyones preferences for replacements or cures. Can you guys give me some help?
Do the trucks swivel OK when they're attached to the car? If so, you might want to swap only the wheelsets. Kadee makes some really nice replacements, and I can highly recommend them. Other manufacturers do, too, such as JayBee, but I haven't used them. If the trucks don't swivel well, then consider the replacement trucks offered by Kadee. In my opinion, they are a little flimsy and need work to track well. Sometimes, just using replacement Athearn trucks works well, too. Pat
I prefer the Athearn trucks with Proto 2000 wheelsets. THe Athearn's are simple (1 piece) and indestructable and the P2K wheels are heavy and very free rolling. In any case, if you can aford it, metal wheels are the way to go for pretty much all cars.
As Pat said, the JayBee "KayBee??" wheels are great! I'm not sure which is right as for spelling or whatnot but I know the name is close to those I bought an I'm very pleased with the results! I will say I too like Kadee wheels, an trucks myself! But as far as Athearn goes, their trucks are good "as said, simple" with the JayBee wheels inserted in them.... Plus a few turns of "The Tool" wheel journal cutter to make the wheels roll freely an you got some really free rolling wheels!
I have four E&C Carshops woodchip gons with POS trucks that I replaced with Athearn trucks. I'm still using the stock Athearn wheels, but if and when I get back to Addison, I'm snapping up Reboxx wheels - they're more scale-size. If they're out of Reboxx, Proto2000 will do (I use them as well, and they're all right- my only beef is the width of the wheels, but I won't throw rocks at LifeLike for that )
http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000692#000000 This covers the metal vs. plastic wheels debate somewhat- hopefully it'll give you enough info should you decide to go metal. Personally, I'd recommend it- not all at once, but a little at a time as you go along.
