What metal wheelset replacement works best with MicroTrains Heavyweights?

[MarcVanCleven]

I have been experimenting a bit with metal wheelsets replacing the MicroTrains Heavywieght passenger cars, and I haven't really come to a definitive decision. What do you out there find works best?

[robert3985]

I have been experimenting a bit with metal wheelsets replacing the MicroTrains Heavywieght passenger cars, and I haven't really come to a definitive decision. What do you out there find works best?

You need to provide more information: (1) The code of rail you are using (2) The brand of track you are using (3) The brand of turnouts you are using (4) The size turnouts you are using (5) Your minimum radius you'll be running your passenger cars on.

What "works best" depends a lot on your track manufacturer as some wheels work great on some brands of track and other wheels don't work well at all on other brands of track.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[MarcVanCleven]

I run on a mix of layout track... the Capital City "N"Gineers club and private modules consist of Atlas, and Peco (mostly) code 80 and Peco code 70/55. At home I use both Kato Unitrack for my larger layout and on my switching modules Atlas code 55. I shim my Peco turnout frogs, as I have done since 1985.

[AKNscale]

I run Fox Valley .540's on mine. I'd recommend going with the wides for you though since you'd run on such a variety of track styles.

[robert3985]

I run Fox Valley .540's on mine. I'd recommend going with the wides for you though since you'd run on such a variety of track styles.

I agree.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[dougnelson]

It hasn't been mentioned, but those should be 36" wheels.

[powersteamguy1790]

It hasn't been mentioned, but those should be 36" wheels.

I agree.

Bob................

[AKNscale]

/\ What he said

[MarcVanCleven]

Thanks guys, I was leaning toward them, but wanted some outside opinions. Helpful.

[sundowner]

The 36" do not fit the MT passenger trucks.

[AKNscale]

They fit in mine

[sundowner]

They don't fit the 1017 and 1018 trucks. I forgot that MT redesign the trucks for the Heavyweights.

[peteski]

They don't fit the 1017 and 1018 trucks. I forgot that MT redesign the trucks for the Heavyweights.

Couldn't you do some trimming of the truck to make them fit?  It is the brake shoes that rub on the 36" wheel thread (because they were made for 33" wheels)?

[sundowner]

Couldn't you do some trimming of the truck to make them fit?  It is the brake shoes that rub on the 36" wheel thread (because they were made for 33" wheels)?

On the four wheel yes, but no on the 6 wheel since the big problem is with the center axle and the trimming require would weakened the truck side frames.

[altohorn25]

Hi Marc,

For the new MT heavyweight trucks, use the Fox Valley MT 36" wide tread since you'll be running on N-Trak layouts.  If you're using the older heavyweight trucks, you'll need to use the 33" wheels (also wide tread).

I use the narrow tread wheels since it looks more prototypical.  These work well on the modutrak layout (code 55 track) as well as my home layout (code 80).  My trackwork is pretty good and I never have problems with derailments.  Some N-Trak module's trackwork is a bit suspect which is why I would recommend the wide tread wheels. 

Nate