Can you help me identify this wheelset?

SHarrison Jul 17, 2012

  1. SHarrison

    SHarrison TrainBoard Member

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    I am trying to locate the manufacturer of this 33 inch, .540 axle metal wheelset.

    Thanks

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Ghengis Kong

    Ghengis Kong TrainBoard Member

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    Looks like the Atlas brand
     
  3. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    The only semi-blackened ones I remember from the old days were often Trix/Model Power. Unlike Con-Cor they had the plastic inserts on both ends.
     
  4. kiasutha

    kiasutha TrainBoard Member

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  5. SHarrison

    SHarrison TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, I'll check it out.
     
  6. lapcotransit

    lapcotransit TrainBoard Supporter

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    Shawn,
    Those wheels are definitely the Atlas MT replacement metal wheels. They came semi-blackened (still shiny like dark chrome) and were early to the metal low pro party, though not named as such like the plastic versions. The ones I dug up from abut 10 years ago are in a 2cmx2cm blister on a perforated card with black, white, and red ink, similar to current packaging. The current Atlas axle width is .553, so these were made for the older Atlas cars, but mainly for replacing Microtrains. Oddly the axle diameter is 1mm, not 1.3(MT) or 1.5 (FVM). To my eye their thick tread face exagerates the tire width and flange, and at the same time makes them look too small.

    Atlas p/n 22020 for the current .553 Atlas metal wheelsets. I recall seeing some with a thinner or more rounded tread edge, and thicker axles. Is it possible only one end has a plastic insert now?

    Atlas p/n 22133 for the .540 MT replacements. Pretty much still the same as yours.

    My favorites for realism are FVM, BLMA, and those from the 2mm Society in the UK. A thin tire edge seem to makes them look thinner and taller, and the flange appear shorter.

    Eric
    http://www.shapeways.com/shops/panamintmodels
     
  7. SHarrison

    SHarrison TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Eric, I'll be sure to investigate the other manufacturers.
     
  8. SHarrison

    SHarrison TrainBoard Member

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    Got the 33" wheels today from Atlas and they're a match! Thanks, all. -- Sally
     

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