Why no semi-scale loco wheels?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Kinda a question for those who make semi-scale loco wheels for freight cars (Atlas, FVM, Rapido). Why not make replacement wheels for Atlas/IM/Walthers diesel engines? Yes I can buy Kato wheels, when available. But they tend to have a needles that stick too far out for other manufacturers trucks.

I have about 200 engines I would like to convert to better looking wheels.

[Mark5]

On the locos, I would like to see Atlas move to a better looking wheel.

Then share it with the parts department! 

Mark

[MetroRedLine]

Kinda a question for those who make semi-scale loco wheels for freight cars (Atlas, FVM, Rapido). Why not make replacement wheels for Atlas/IM/Walthers diesel engines? Yes I can buy Kato wheels, when available. But they tend to have a needles that stick too far out for other manufacturers trucks.

I have about 200 engines I would like to convert to better looking wheels.

Doesn't NWSL make these? Or at least aren't they supposed to?

[thomasjmdavis]

Doesn't NWSL make these? Or at least aren't they supposed to?

The NWSL online catalog lists the following loco wheelsets-

Minitrix Diesel
40"/72 Flush 1.5mm x .445" axle w/12T SG 7440-4 $30.95

Diesel upgrade wheels/wheelsets Part # Price
40"/72 Bachmann Plus F-7 diesel 12T × .165" geared (4) 2574-6 $30.95
40"/72 Lifelike diesel wheels (China-built units w/1.5mm plastic axle) (8/pkg) 2575-6 $16.95
40"/64 Lifelike diesel wheels (China-built units w/1.5mm plastic axle)(8/pkg) 2576-6 $16.95
Arnold/Walthers S2 Diesel upgrade geared wheelsets Part # Price
40"/72 1.0mm x .445" axle geared wheelsets (4/pkg) 2679-6 $30.95
40"/64 1.0mm x .445" axle geared wheelsets (4/pkg) 2680-6 $30.95

I have no idea if any of these are interchangeable with locos made in the last 20 years.  Or even if the Bachmann plus are interchangeable with the original DC Spectrum (although I think the main difference was cosmetic) or current production.  Of course, also of note is that the wheelsets in some cases cost more than I paid for the locomotives.  Which may have a lot to do with why few are available- there just aren't that many people willing to invest $30-45 per locomotive (if you need 6) to make manufacturing economically viable.

On the other hand, if replacement drivers and wheels for Rivarossi steam locos had been easy to come by 25 years ago, I would probably be happily modeling 1947 right now.  As it was, not too unlike the prototype, I sold them off and bought F3s and F7s and PAs.

The simple answer might be to model 1950, buy a bunch of Kato covered wagons and a couple NW2s, and wheel issue solved.

[jagged ben]

A new Atlas wheel is overdue, IMHO.

[wmcbride]

A new Atlas wheel is overdue, IMHO.

Agree!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I am familiar with the NWSL wheels, but at $30 an engine,it isn't really practical. We need an easy swap out for atlas and IM engines. But especially so for LL/Walthers units that use a slightly different gear placement and knurled half shafts.

[peteski]

The currently available Kato loco wheels are pretty close to semi scale. They have low flanges, fairly narrow tread, and nice face profile.

Couple of photos comparing Atlas to the "new" Kato wheels are in https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=33107.msg596466#msg596466
That post also goes into the axle length modifications needed for best results in Atlas trucks (no mods are needed for Kato retrofits).

[C855B]

The currently available Kato loco wheels are pretty close to semi scale. They have low flanges, fairly narrow tread, and nice face profile.

Agreed. I've installed Kato wheelsets on a number of Atlas locos with good results. Big difference in appearance, no performance penalty at all... provided you take time and care to make sure the flanges are centered on the NMRA gauge, preferably before installing. The wheelsets tend to come about 0.015" narrow.

[mmagliaro]

... snip ...

On the other hand, if replacement drivers and wheels for Rivarossi steam locos had been easy to come by 25 years ago, I would probably be happily modeling 1947 right now. 

... snip

If ANYBODY made replacement steam drivers as a steady product, my life would be a whole lot easier.   
Something like what Greenway Products does for HO drivers.