Size Matters
Wheels come in many different sizes. For freight and passenger cars, 28-inch, 33-inch, and 36-inch diameter wheel sizes are most common. The 28-inch wheels are sometimes found on older equipment but are most frequently seen in modern times on multi-level autoracks where reducing the car height as much as possible is the goal. The 33-inch wheels have been the most common size for most of the 20th century. The 36-inch wheels are seen on modern cars, especially hoppers, covered hoppers, tank cars, and coal gondolas. Locomotive wheels can come in even more sizes. Choosing the right size is important since changing the size of the wheel will change the height of the car. If couplers are mounted on the car body, their height will also be altered. In addition to size, there are numerous other construction detail differences in prototype wheels. Most of these are hard to distinguish in model form. One of the most commonly modeled variations is a pattern of ribs on the back of the wheel. These were frequently found on wheels through the first half of the 20th century. The ribs acted like a fan to help cool brakes and journals. With the adoption of roller bearings in the latter half of the century, ribbed-back wheels became increasingly less common.
Why Should You Replace Wheels?
You may think that your train rolls find so why do you have to replace the wheels? Maybe you don’t. Many of today’s models already come with very free-rolling metal wheelsets. However, older models, especially those with plastic wheels, may benefit from a new set of wheels. Plastic wheels not only have greater friction on the rail, but they also collect dirt much more easily than metal. Dirt buildup on wheels spreads back to the rails and can cause electrical pick-up problems. Excessive dirt on the wheels themselves can even cause a derailment. Metal wheels roll more freely and are much easier to keep clean. Heavier wheels tend to handle imperfections in the track better as well. An added benefit, you’ll get a little more of that “clickety-clack” sound as the train crosses rail joints. Because they roll more freely, your locomotives will be able to pull longer trains. In addition to the wheels themselves, the journals also have a major impact on how well a truck will roll. The journal is where the end of the axle rides in the side frame of the truck. Model journals are much more basic than the prototype. Most model trucks are plastic today while some are metal. Plastic on plastic, metal on plastic, or metal on metal, the best axle is the one that fits its side frame properly. Choose an axle that is loose enough to spin freely, but not so loose that it will wobble in the pocket.
Add Some Oil
Even with a good fit in the journal, a little light oil will help keep your wheels turning. As on the prototype, the journal is a site of great friction. Left unchecked, a model “hot box” can actually wear out the side frames or the ends of the axles. This is most common when metal axles are used with metal side frames. Put a small drop of light oil in the side frames when you insert the wheels.
Changing the Wheels
Actually changing out wheels on most of the rolling stock is a very easy process. For plastic trucks, simply spread the side frames outward gently until you can pop out the wheels and axle. It may be easier to do this with the truck removed from the car. Some metal trucks may require additional disassembly. Sprung trucks (with actual springs between the side frames and bolster) require special care to prevent springs from coming loose. Many manufacturers make replacement wheelsets for locomotives as well. Usually, locomotive wheels are press-fit onto the axle and can be removed/installed with moderate pressure. Choose a replacement wheel that is made for that type of model.
Gauge
One of the most important elements of any wheelset is its gauge. Wheels spaced too close or too far apart will not pass through switches, crossings, or even normal track. The gauge can be checked by using a standard gauge such as those made by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). An NMRA gauge can check many other critical clearances, too. If your wheels are out of gauge, remove the axle from the truck. Holding a wheel in each hand, gently twist and pull/squeeze the wheels to move them in or out as necessary. This can normally be accomplished with moderate pressure. Recheck the gauge, and when the adjustments are final, reinstall the wheelset.
Choosing the Right Wheels
Perhaps the hardest part of replacing wheels is choosing the right ones. There are many different manufacturers making replacement wheels on every scale. Most replacement wheel manufacturers offer guides to choosing the right set for you. You don’t have to use the same manufacturer’s wheels on every car, but consistency can make operations more standard and sometimes buying in bulk can save money.
