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

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I think there are two competing ideas here:

1. Do we want to help Matt out?
2. Is he willing to produce a new run of wheels?
3. If not, where can we get quality wheels in bulk?

I need a lot of wheels as cheaply as possible - I have about 850 cars to eventually convert. I also think adding a new supplier to the mix may be a good thing as we wouldn't be dependent on other manufacturers schedules.

Right now the lowest price for a quality metal wheel-set is $.60 each. If we can get a decent product out of the Chinese company at a very good price, I say we should explore this.

[Ike the BN Freak]

I got a quote back, I'm sure Adam got a similar one.

However from my stand point, I am holding off until I see if they can make a wheel with the correct wheel profile.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

What was the quote?

[peteski]

What was the quote?

Yeah, I'm surprised that they didn't mention that.  Probably not $10. 

[thomasjmdavis]

I got a quote back, I'm sure Adam got a similar one.

However from my stand point, I am holding off until I see if they can make a wheel with the correct wheel profile.

Ike- does that mean they are running samples for you? ("I am holding off until I see if they can make a wheel with the correct wheel profile")

[Ike the BN Freak]

For 1000 wheels, the price was 45.9 cents an axle, 10000 would be 39.9 and 50k 35.3

[Ike the BN Freak]

Ike- does that mean they are running samples for you? ("I am holding off until I see if they can make a wheel with the correct wheel profile")

They said they are talking to their design engineer to see if it is possible.

[peteski]

For 1000 wheels, the price was 45.9 cents an axle, 10000 would be 39.9 and 50k 35.3

I'm confused.
Are wheels counted individually, or is it 45.9 cents per sheet (2 wheels, axle and insulator)?.
So, 1000 wheels would cost .459 X 1000 = $459.00  Isn't that comparable to the street price of FVM wheels?

[Jbub]

FMV street prices have been between 60 and 80 dollars for 100 axles. I believe earlier in the thread that it was confirmed the price was for a complete assembled axle and wheels plus insulator. The real saving will happen if we can hit the 10000 number which would equip 2500 cars. It sounds like a lot but when you have guys taking about equipping 800 cars it will add up quick.

[nscalbitz]

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

Yeah, nice competitive behaviour to their customers tho. And anti-trade morals aren't known to the Chinese. Beware they may also be the 'rejects' from first process, set up etc.
 
dave

[narrowminded]

They said they are talking to their design engineer to see if it is possible.

With those machines, yes it is possible and no, it shouldn't cost any different, unless there's a one time design charge for the designer to draw and program the profile.

Did your quote include blackening?  If not specified I'm sure it doesn't.  That's what FVM wheels are which seems to be the most desired style and standard that others are compared to.  I think it's a black nickel on brass wheels but not sure that was ever confirmed.

[Ike the BN Freak]

With those machines, yes it is possible and no, it shouldn't cost any different, unless there's a one time design charge for the designer to draw and program the profile.

Did your quote include blackening?  If not specified I'm sure it doesn't.  That's what FVM wheels are which seems to be the most desired style and standard that others are compared to.  I think it's a black nickel on brass wheels but not sure that was ever confirmed.

My quote includes gun metal blackening, or that is what they call it

[peteski]

What materials are used for the wheels and axles?

[Ike the BN Freak]

Wheels are brass, insulators are POM, which I don't know what that equals. No word on the axle material

[Chris333]

You guys know MTL makes metal wheels now...