I am going over my H0 scale cars to install all metal wheelsets. Which are preferred: NWSL, InterMountain, Jay Bee, Proto 2000, or Kadee? I have read that many modelers don't use or no longer prefer the Kadee wheelsets. Why would that be so? Also, when were the ribbed back wheels discontinued by the railroads? Thanks for the help.
Hi, It comes down to a decision based on value, free rolling performance and weight. I use Intermountain wheelsets. Value: They're relatively cheap if bought bulk (I buy 100 axles at a time). Free rolling performance: axles are also metal which means they roll very freely. I also have some Proto 2000 wheelsets, which have better wheel face detail but a plastic axle. I don't know if these can be purchased bulk, I've only ever bought them in small packs. Kadee wheelsets are lighter than both Intermountain and Proto 2000. Kadee trucks on the other hand are very heavy being made of metal. For flat cars where weight is often an issue I use Kadee trucks with Intermountain wheels. This adds to the overall weight of the car plus gives it a lower center of gravity (also good). I don't like Accurail or Atlas metal wheels as the wheel face profile looks wrong to me. I do like Accurail trucks though. Cheers, Colin
I use Proto 2000 wheel sets and mostly Accurail trucks on my freight cars. Ribbed wheels were made from cast iron, as I understand it. The standard flat back wheels, which were steel, replaced them in the 40's and 50's and the ribbed wheels were banned from interchange in the late 60's I believe.
Pat, you are correct...Most cast wheels had ribs. They were banned from new construction in 1958, and from replacement use in 1964, and from interchange in '68...here's the reference:http://www.vbfamily.com/Wheeldoc.htm ...Bob C.
I usually replace all plastic wheels with P2k (usually sprayed dirty brown, so the plastic axles don't matter), but like cthart I have used the metal Kadee trucks on a few light cars to help get the weight nearer to NMRA levels. I think I started with the P2k as they were readily available to me from a local trader, but they have given me no trouble. There is the odd truck (make of) that they are a little sloppy for fit - axle too short - but liveable for my use. That's where NWSL come in - I have a sample pack of theirs so I can find the right length axle, but I've never felt the need to actually get any specials yet.
I made the original post because I read that the Kadee wheels "held dirt" more readily than other brands. I asked about this issue at my club yesterday and no one spoke about the "dirt" issue but most did prefer Intermountain wheels. The issue of weight and Kadee trucks with IM wheels is a very good point.
Tom (?), Due to my limited contemporary experience (no layout in the last 20 years!), and minimal hobby resources ($), my choice is moot, and I know of no (fer sure) local source. AB Charles (South Hills) used to be the most complete and reliable LHS in town, but Bud Charles is gone now. I hear his son has carried on well (new location), but I can't say from experience. My enjoyment of model railroads is ongoing, thanks to you all and places like this - but my modeling is way out of date. Bob C.
Thanks, AB is ok as of this date slightly disorganized. I use Hobby Express in Cranberry & Esthers in Millvale for wheels. I agree with earlier posts that heavier is better. I like Intermountain but P2K's are readily available here. Stay in touch around here for activity regarding Pittsburgh area happennings. Thanks
Intermountain, hands down. They look great, they are all metal (except for the insulating collar on one axle side) and they install and run great. Buy them in bulk, because you will never run out of cars to rewheel. If I had bought a box of 100 when I started rewheeling, I could have saved a bunch of cash. I started using Proto 2000 wheels because as noted they look good and are readily available. My problem has been that the delrin axle can break or warp over time. Rare, but it happens. And, the cost for Protos is now equal if not more than Intermountains. Kadees-OK looking wheels, never had enough to work with. I have had fair results with the tracking on their sprung trucks. -Mark
I've always used the Kadee. Well, not "always". I do have some "Proto" wheels on some of my cars. The reason I've used Kadee was reliabilty and consistency. I have tried to standardize. Let me put it another way. If the quality of my layout boils down in opinion from others based on what metal wheelsets I a using, I will the consider my modeling a success. I fully believe the important thing is to set a standard and live/die with it. I fully endose the use of 100% metal wheelsets. Using a truck tuner BEFORE putting a car on the layout, setting an NMRA recommended standard on weight, AND keeping the rolling stock consistent to the standards. I guess my "preferred" is Kadee, because that is the standard I have set and I have found consistency to one's own standard is key to minimizing problems and derailments.
Most of mine are proto 2000 since that's what was easiest to get my hands on. I have some Intermountains as well. I haven't noticed any difference between the 2. I also had a set of "passenger" metal wheelsets that I've used when I need 36" wheels. I can't remember the manufacturer of those at all except that they look a little "rougher" also no problems with them.
Well I have a wide array of metal wheel sets on my cars. I have used them all exept the Intermountain. I normally buy P2K wheelsets now but I have found out that on certain truck frames they dont fit too well and need to use Kadee or other brand for free rolling. But I dont too much worry about the wheel face as they get painted and weathered. As for the ribbed back of the Kadee wheels that does not bother me.
