Metal Wheel Options

[thumpernickle]

I am looking into converting my small fleet to metal wheels. I am aware of a few options (Micro-Trains, old FVM, Intermountain, ESM) and am curious about the communities' experiences with them.

[muktown128]

Go with ESM.  You won't be disappointed.

[tehachapifan]

Go with ESM.  You won't be disappointed.

Agree completely! Fantastic wheels!

[Chris333]

ESM FTW. 

[peteski]

To be fair, MTL's latest iteration of machined-metal wheels is  brand new. They just started using them on their regular-release cars. I don't think anybody has truly evaluated them yet.  I haven't  had a chance to check them out yet.

[Chris333]

Does Microtrains sell them separately yet?

[peteski]

Does Microtrains sell them separately yet?

Good question - haven't checked.

[BruceStikkers]

I like ESM best but agree the new MT ones should be checked out. I see they do sell them separately in packs.

Bruce Stikkers
St Joseph, IL

[nickelplate759]

Microtrains has sold two different batches of cast (not turned) metal wheels.  The first batch was a little rough, although the work OK.  The second batch is better - I have some, and no complaints.  Neither are as nice as the Fox Valley or ESM wheels.
I haven't seen the new turned Microtrains wheels yet.

[oakcreekco]

I've been very pleased with turned metal wheels on the last TTX release. Probably 150+ hours running time on my TTX cars with no issues.

They aren't shown on the website at all for retail parts.

The cast wheels are shown but, read the full descriptions.

N Scale N 33" Metal Wheels (60-axle pack) (403-60) 
THIS ITEM IS TEMORARY UNAVAILABLE

N 33" Metal Wheels (60-axle pack) (403-60) 

Manufactured to NMRA RP25 standards
Detailed on both sides of the wheels
Plastic axle for scale appearance--overall length of axle is .53 inches
Wheels are chemically blackened
Designed to fit all MTL Trucks
Pre-assembled and easy to convert cars
Manufactured in the USA


Not sure what's up, but it may be a production/quality standard that's needing to be worked out.

It'll sort out in time

[nkalanaga]

The only "issue" with ESM's wheels is that they're not available with Atlas/IM length axles - YET.  Those should be in before the end of the year, according to ESM.

I've installed their wheels in at least a couple hundred cars, and haven't found a bad one yet.  ESM wheels in MT trucks are probably the best rolling trucks I've seen.

[bbussey]

To be fair, MTL's latest iteration of machined-metal wheels is  brand new. They just started using them on their regular-release cars. I don't think anybody has truly evaluated them yet.  I haven't  had a chance to check them out yet.

AFAIK the new MTL machined wheel is being used only on the PS-2 hopper currently.  The 60' hi-cube boxcar is still being equipped with the cast metal wheels.

[bbussey]

The only "issue" with ESM's wheels is that they're not available with Atlas/IM length axles - YET.  Those should be in before the end of the year, according to ESM.

I've installed their wheels in at least a couple hundred cars, and haven't found a bad one yet.  ESM wheels in MT trucks are probably the best rolling trucks I've seen.

They're on the water, both the new .553 axle length and the restock on the .540 axle length for both wheel diameters.  Scheduled to arrive in port on Christmas day.

[oakcreekco]

AFAIK the new MTL machined wheel is being used only on the PS-2 hopper currently.  The 60' hi-cube boxcar is still being equipped with the cast metal wheels.

The cast wheels have plastic axles. Correct?

[nkalanaga]

Bryan:  Then will probably be in the stores  around the end of January?  I'll be ordering some for my old ConCor passenger trucks.  Unlike their freight cars, the passenger cars take Atlas wheels just fine, so yours should fit just as well.