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

[Ike the BN Freak]

So these will have toy-like wheel face and generic tread profile?   

No idea, based on the photos Tom's link has, they look decent. My thought is even is if I order 1000, and it cost me $10 plus shipping, and they look like the old IM wheels, well I'm only out a bit over $10. But if they look like FVM wheels, well I'll have to order more the next time.  Hoping that once I get them some decent measurements, they can do a small run to send as a sample, that way I can at least review the wheels and let others see how they look.

[peteski]

If the drawing you posted is accurate, you can clearly see the shape of the wheel face.  If that is not the drawing of the final product then who knows how they'll look . . .

[Ike the BN Freak]

On the second photo here, appears to have the correct shape

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

[narrowminded]

Send them a sample of what you'd like or a good drawing with all of the dimensions called out with tolerance, material, and plating.  Use the NMRA specs for the flange profile and radii and then the rest to your desire.  If you send a sample they may know what they are because they possibly made them anyway.   And I wouldn't count on anywhere near 1000 pcs. for $10.  Not even in China. 

[Chris333]

Maybe 1000 for $10 is just for the pieces. No axles. No insulated bushing.  ???

[seusscaboose]

I would be in for part of a group buy
Eric

[DKS]

FWIW, I would not go this route. Way too many risks. Especially what Chris pointed out: is this for assembled axles, or just wheels? What about insulators? Also, these shops are notorious for making claims about what they will make, then deliver something different. If it was me, I'd approach a domestic shop. You'd certainly pay more, but you'd have much more control.

[tom mann]

Maybe 1000 for $10 is just for the pieces. No axles. No insulated bushing.  ???

I wonder if it’s just for the wheel?

I’m encouraged that they are so responsive, though.

[DKS]

I’m encouraged that they are so responsive, though.

Based on experience, once they catch someone's interest, you'll be hearing from them too often--and may start hearing from other Alibaba members.

[Kentuckian]

Walthers shows Fox Valley 3301’s expected 6 August FWIW.

[Ike the BN Freak]

It is for a full wheel set, so axle, wheels and insulator.

However, this is the "best" photo I have received so far for the set, looking at the face, it does not appear to be correct, but more like the old IM wheels with the fat tire

[C855B]

It is for a full wheel set, so axle, wheels and insulator.

However, this is the "best" photo I have received so far for the set, looking at the face, it does not appear to be correct, but more like the old IM wheels with the fat tire.

And I don't like the flanges. My preference is simple - encourage and support Matt, and let him do the knowledgeable production brokering. I like his results and attention to detail.

IOW, let's not reinvent the wheel.

OMG, did I actually say that? 

[DKS]

IOW, let's not reinvent the wheel.

OMG, did I actually say that? 

Yes, you did. Tee-hee.

[GaryHinshaw]

IOW, let's not reinvent the wheel.

OMG, did I actually say that? 

Quote of the week. 

For the time being, I'm going to assume that FVM will continue to market their wheels, but that production is likely to be episodic.  The fact that Matt recently expanded the line to include a resistor option tells me that he's still interested in producing them.

[mu26aeh]

My preference is simple - encourage and support Matt, and let him do the knowledgeable production brokering. I like his results and attention to detail.

Have to remember also that Matt and his family having been going thru some tough times with their son as well, so that has put things on hiatus at FVM.  Here is a recent post from a FB announcement on the latest runs of covered hoppers.

"  Many of you have asked how our young son is doing. For right now - he is good, just a good natured baby boy. Short version of the update is that this fall, we learned that the treatment procedure being done here in Chicago was not effective, and that there was not much more they could do here short of a major surgery that they have only done a few of. The last few months have been spent keeping him healthy and getting another opinion from a specialist that deals with his particular issues. The plan as of right now is to get through the winter/ spring and then this summer we will make a trek out to Stanford University and have a major surgery done there. We expect to be out there for an extended time. Scheduling is flexible as they could call at anytime and say come on out. For now he is a wonderful little boy just enjoying being at home, and on the plus side- there are many days you wouldn't know he has a heart issue. We are very Thankful for everyone's thoughts and well wishes and are looking forward to the future!

For work, that means we have a small window over the next few months to try and make some headway on things. We hope to get a number of projects moving forward again and keep progressing on some new ones. We will try and spend a little more time in the office and clear up any backlogs. If you need any info or if we missed anything, please remind us as we can use it some days. But as we have discovered in this new life, there may be times we are just not around, and if Stanford calls early, we will be attending more pressing matters. Thank you again for your continued support and we will keep moving forward. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year! "