I run the old timey DC block format. Other than the engines, do all my rolling stock wheels need to be plastic ? So as not to cause a temporary short between two opposing blocks ? If needed, how do you lube the plastic wheel sets in the truck journals or do you just keep them clean ? Thanks in advance, Cliff
I run DC blocks and have never had any problems with metal wheel sets. I wouldn't bother trying to lube wheel journals, there's no need and you'll just encourage buildup of fluff. Cheers, Kev
Delrin plastic, which is the most common plastic in the trucks and wheels today, is a slippery plastic. Lubricating those just invites a build up of dirt and other crud, and they run fine if not better without it. With most metal wheelsets one wheel is insulated from the metal axle and as long as they are in a plastic truck frame, and not being used for electrical pick-up, it doesn't matter what orientation they are in. It does matter if the trucks are used for electrical pick-up such as an older steam tender, or a older illuminated passenger car such as a Bmann 65 footer. On those the insulated wheels all need to be in the same orientation, all on the left on one truck and all on the right on the other. Newer stuff like this tends to have the wheels on an insulated axle when they are used for pick-up allowing for two rail pick-up on both trucks regardless of the wheel set orientation.
One problem that can come up with metal wheels is when one block is set for Cab A and the other to Cab B. Should you have a metal wheel sitting over the isolator gap making contact with both sides you may be in for some interesting train behavior. I run both metal wheels and Delrin plastic. I prefer to use Micro-Trains plastic wheel sets, knuckle couplers, freight and passenger trucks. Nothing finer! My two cents.
Only time with DC blocks you might have a problem Cliff is with Kato passenger cars. As both trucks are electrically connected, don't stop them "astride" a block break then change polarity on one block, or your layout will stop working. In my main Union Station I have placed luggage on the platform next to a block break so I can make sure the cars couplers line up with the breaks.
Interesting about the Kato passenger cars ? I didn't know that and the 5 piece Kato set I was going to put on layaway tomorrow. Hummmm... I must study and thanks Bob. Cliff
Those Kato Passenger cars, Micro-Trains heavyweights as well as Walther's new baggage cars, prewired for light installation will cause you grief. Another look at your blocks and where you are likely to stop your train can easily solve the problem. I have two reverse loops, one wye and a turntable. No problems with them. However, I had a straight reversing section that is about two feet long. Making up one leg of a reversing loop. When...I ran my Kato passenger trains through that section, they would short out the works. I had to extend the two foot section to the length of the passenger train...problem solved.
For what its worth some model railroad clubs won't allow plastic wheels on there layouts they claim that the plastic rubs off and fouls the track.
I think the metal wheels SOUND really cool. I was at a show a while back and a guy was running a long coal train with all metal wheels and it sounded really cool. It took me a while to realize that it was the metal wheels that were different from what I have at home. I would convert everything if I didn't want to spend my hobby money on other things just for the sound metal makes.
That "really cool sound" doesn't last. Soon you recognize it for what it is and what it isn't. It isn't the clickety-clack, clickety-clack sound made by real trains on jointed rail. It's an irritating whirring noise that grates on your spine.
I don't much care for the noise of metal wheels. They can distract me from listening to a car derailed. Regarding plastic wheels...leaving a residual on the track? If you check out the data sheet for Delrin, you should be able to come to your own conclusion with regard to it's durability. http://www.plastic-products.com/spec.htm Now then, is it possible to wear down from hours of operation? Possible... yes, and I've seen plastic wheels wear a groove in them. Were they Delrin products? I don't think so. Even my oldest Micro-trains wheel sets aren't showing wear.
