I need to buy 100 wheel sets. What is the difference between MT Standard and Low Profile? Most of the time I will operate on Micro Engineering C55 flex with C55 hand laid turnouts using the Fastrax jigs.
If my knowledge is correct MT standard is the pizza cutter until earlier this year when they changed to a mid sized flange that is supposed to work with all c55, if my memory serves my right. Low profile there is a older style and the new style. I use the new style and they work great on all c55 and on the club layout. JSL
The July/August N Scale Railroading had a good article on wheels comparing many manufacturers. Good photos, crud testing, friction testing, derailment testing, dimensions. Pretty thorough article.
If I check the MTL price list in the internet, there are THREE kinds of wheels (in 33" diameter): 33" Standard Wheel Sets 33" High-profile Wheel Sets 33” Low-profile Wheel Sets In my understanding the first ones are the NEW standard wheels with "medium size" flanges, the High-profile wheels are the famous Pizza-Cutters, and the last ones are the well-known low profile wheels. I have three cars with the new wheel sets, and in my opinion the difference between them and the low profile wheel sets is hard to see. So far I changed the wheel sets mostly for the looks, but with the new standard wheel sets there is no need to do that any more. Before you spend a ton of money on wheels, it seems a good idea to check with MTL directly. Or maybe Joe will give us some clarification.
You may also want to check out the Fox Valley wheels also. Especially if you have different axle lengths on the cars that you are replacing axles on.
The Mt Lowprofile wheelsets have gotten a bad rap from some because the flange has a sharp edge rather than rounded like the old lowprofile flange. I haven't witnessed any problems but others have complained about it. MT came out with a new intermediate flange which is now their standard wheelset. It is C55 compliant.
