Wondering about Steel wheels as far as 33" and 36". Does having different sizes on cars make a difference in coupler's joining up?? I have heard wide flange wheels work the best. What size are these wheels or how do u tell the wide flange one?? I always appreciate the help I get on here. Thanks Curt
Well, in N scale, the difference in height between a 33" and 36" wheel is 1.5 scale inches (or 0.009"). Well within the tolerances for couplers. You want to make sure the wheels move freely; on some trucks designed for 33" I have noted some rubbing if a 36" wheel set is used instead. But, for the vast majority, makes no real difference. Wheel tread width is a different story. Wider treads can make up for a variety of woes on a layout, usually caused by track gauge problems. They also work better with some turnouts where the flanges are too wide, and fine tread wheels can fall into them. But newer track / turnouts should not present any problems. As to wheel flange size, that is the size of the "extra" part of the wheel which extends down the inside of the rail. If you have Atlas code 55 track, you do not want the large flange (aka "pizza cutters") as they will go bumpity-bump on the spike heads of the track
OK, I am using Kato Unitrack and want to change over to all steel wheels, I read that steel wheels with the largest flange work best, I am just wondering how to tell if they are the size with the biggest flange. Does it say on the package or is there a certain measurement??
The normal "fine tread" (regular) FVM metal wheel sets work just fine on Unitrack. You do not need wide tread or large flanges. The JACALAR is a 100% Unitrack layout. More important is to ensure you get the correct axle lengths for your cars. The different car manufacturers use different sized axles.
Here is another part of the equation. Flange height versus face height. I did a write up on it here: http://ambersub.blogspot.com/2013/05/wheel-dilemma.html
I would suggest non-ferrous metal wheels, if you want metal wheels. Otherwise, if you run on a layout with under-track uncoupling magnets, they will be attracted to the magnets. MH
