FVM wheels for MT - are they ever going to be produced again?

[Bill H]

Group:
Seems like it has been forever since FVM wheels were in stock - at least to fit MT cars. There was a very brief second run that sold out in a few days, and nothing since. Seems like it has been at least two years since that second run. At the same time, FVM is still producing complete cars - with their wheels installed so either they have a significant stash or they are still in production.

I wonder if it was a price point that made production not profitable or? If they were not profitable, or perhaps they don't want to do anything that would help MT,  I really wish FVM would tell us so we don't have to wait just for them.

BTW, has any body seen the new IM "High Detail" wheel sets? http://www.intermountain-railway.com/n/html/60070.htm

I wonder if they are much better than the old fairly course wheel sets?

Kind regards,
Bill

[tom mann]

Too bad that IM photo isn’t helpful.

[wazzou]

Look like 55 gallon drums with an axle between them.

[Bill H]

Look like 55 gallon drums with an axle between them.

Hi Brian -have you actually seen the new IM wheels? Or are you referring to the old ones. The new ones are a different part number...

Cheers,
Bill

[GaryHinshaw]

Hmm, I have purchased tons of FVM wheels with .540" axles (3301 and 3601, with and without resistors) from MBK in the past year.  At the current time, they only have a limited selection with this axle length (mostly 28" wheels), but they've had a bunch of them restocked as recently as ~6 months ago, IIRC.  I never had the impression they were out of production. (I certainly hope they're not!)

[bbussey]

Why not ask the manufacturer directly, instead of indulging in speculation?

[rrjim1]

Another choice maybe? 

Micro-Trains N 00312021 (403-60) 33" Metal Wheel Sets (60)
Manufactured to NMRA RP25 standards
Detailed on both sides of the wheels
Plastic axle for scale appearance
Wheels are chemically blackened
Designed to fit all MTL Trucks

[Bill H]

Hmm, I have purchased tons of FVM wheels with .540" axles (3301 and 3601, with and without resistors) from MBK in the past year.  At the current time, they only have a limited selection with this axle length (mostly 28" wheels), but they've had a bunch of them restocked as recently as ~6 months ago, IIRC.  I never had the impression they were out of production. (I certainly hope they're not!)

Gary:
You are correct, the 33" .540 were in stock for a few weeks about six months ago after being totally out of stock for at least year. Totally disappeared at all my pushers before my next months paycheck arrived at that time. Clearly they were not in stock long and have not been seen since. I guess someone must have bought tons of them...

I asked three vendors directly if they have heard anything from FVM regarding restocking, perhaps FVM might have indicated a restock date. All have responded with a flat no. I have asked other questions directly to FVM before and never received an answer, so I have run out of places to ask. Hence my question on this board.

My remarks are not based upon having missed some sort of limited run of exactly what I wanted, only to find out if anyone has heard if in essence they are or are not going to be in production. I need metal wheels, I do not like the new MT metal wheel finishes and need to find a substitute for FVM if they are no longer being made. I considered the Exact Rail wheels but they went out of stock before I could even see them, hence my asking about the newest production from IM. Anyone try the Exact Rail wheels?

Kind regards,
Bill

[drgw0579]

I recently bought a couple packs of IM wheels at a local retailer, both "standard 60050" and "MicroTrains 60053" versions.   They have the new face, no longer is there a flat surface along the rim.  Since I don't care about being perfect, I don't want to pay extra for the "high detail" (parts 60070-60072).  Sometimes these sit on dealer shelves, so there is no guarantee you won't get the old style unless you see them in person.  Fortunately I am close to Caboose (Hobbies) who has a fairly new inventory.  In the photo, these have already entered my resister program, I mark MT wheels with a dab of yellow paint on the axle, others ger red.

btw, I have a friend that isn't in the hobby business anymore, but always claimed there was only one machine in China that made wheels for all our suppliers.  I doubt that was true, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's less than 4!

Bill Kepner

B [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Ike the BN Freak]

Saw these a while back, https://dakunlun.en.alibaba.com/product/60509675905-800532032/Gun_Black_Train_Wheel_With_Brass_Shaft_And_Wheel.html

Not sure how they look, but looks like these are being sold as overstock direct from the manufacturer.

[nkalanaga]

Bill:  I've never gotten an answer from FVM to emails either, so it seems they don't communicate well. 

[GhengisKong]

I asked the question directly to their facebook page. We'll see if I get an answer or not. Their last post was on Dec 31st.

[C855B]

Saw these a while back, https://dakunlun.en.alibaba.com/product/60509675905-800532032/Gun_Black_Train_Wheel_With_Brass_Shaft_And_Wheel.html

Not sure how they look, but looks like these are being sold as overstock direct from the manufacturer.

Notice not a single picture showing the wheel face.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Notice not a single picture showing the wheel face.

I just sent them a message, asking for photos of the wheel face, and dimensions of the wheels.

Figured if they match the FVM standard wheels for MTL trucks, I might order a 1000 axles, being it looks to be $10 for the order plus shipping

[tom mann]

I never thought we would be able to order direct from the factory. For $10, it’s worth the gamble.

Look:

https://dakunlun.en.alibaba.com/product/60055727769-800531859/2O18_Hot_Sale_High_Precision_Customized_Metal_Train_Wheel_Of_Toy.html?spm=a2700.icbuShop.90.2.6f44a9e92zQaRI