Hi Mike, just wanted to say great videos. im just getting back into N scale after being out for a few years and been watching alot of your videos. glad i found both your channels. got me to change to DCC and change abunch of things that i was doing. thanks again for the great videos.
Hi Mike, A very nice review and primer on Micro-Trains metal wheels. Isn't it funny how we've come full circle. My first N scale train set was from AHM / Lima in 1970 or 71 and all the rolling stock had metal wheels like what you showed in your video. Then for some unknown reason everyone switched to plastic wheels. Now the big switch is back on to metal wheels. When I started making the switch, Micro-Trains had not yet released their metal wheels, so I was converting my models to metal wheels using Fox Valley metal wheels. When Micro-Trains released their metal wheels, I figured I'd give them a try, a 12 pack and a 60 pack later and I've not been disappointed. As you mentioned in the video, the Micro-Trains metal wheels are not a direct replacement for other manufacturer's wheels because of the different axle lengths. Because of this, I've actually been replacing other manufacturer's trucks with Micro-Trains trucks and Micro-Trains metal wheels, if the rolling stock did not come equipped with metal wheels. The only exception to this was a couple of Athearn N scale "Rail Gon" gondola's that came equipped with metal wheels in the Athearn trucks with McHenry N scale couplers. The cars would wobble down the track, it seemed something was wrong with the truck side frames. So I replaced the Athearn trucks with Micro-Trains trucks and Micro-Trains metal wheels and problem solved. You do have to use the supplied Micro-Trains washer that comes with the truck pins. If not, the trucks will slip right over the Athearn bolster screw. Cheers, Rich S.
I am new with n gauge. Grew up on HO. I have to sit down and figure it out. I was at the hobby store did not know what to get. I got cars at the train shows knew to improve them. Learned from you the weights and couplers. Now the wheels. This so much learning to do. Thanks very much.
After watching your video , I bought a pack of these from my local hobby shop, they work great, I like that the finish is less shiny than the other brands, they look more realistic in my opinion. I also like the noise they make going over joints switches, this seems more prototypical than plastic wheels. I hope in the future they make some wheel sets to replace the plastic ones on Atlas trucks.
@ N Scale Model Trains How To Channel, No they are all plastic wheels sets. I use Micro-Trains1030-10 Walther's #310031 Roller Bearing Trucks Box of 10 pair. These were the only ones they had in stock when I ordered a bunch of stuff. I live in Canada and shipping is a lot from the US not to mention the 30% exchange rate so I try and make the purchase worthwhile . Hobby shops in Canada are far and few between. Btw the trucks, I found, will fit the 3D N scale cares that I print for my setup and the Ticky Train cars I have as well. I sure I have said it before but I do love your layout and all the different levels you run trains on. Keep those videos coming! I hope to do some soon myself.
I have bought several 100 packs of FV wheels and like you said there is always one or so that have come off the axel. Matt and his crew has always sent replacements with a simple e-mail. I also have IM and BLMA on several cars. The BLMA are true scale and are great for finding poor track work. LOL The problem I have with plastic wheels is they have a slightly oily coating on them that attracts dust to them and the rail. Atlas wheels are particularly bad. With my new layout using code 55 it also makes it a good time to change over to metal wheels. Fun talking to you and Robbin at NSE Chicago! David, Tanya and Cale.
Great timing! I've been debating going to metal wheels for a while and this video has helped me in that decision process. Leaning even more towards the metal now. I only need to change a about a half of my cars over one way or the other. Thanks again Mike :)
Excellent info and video as usual Mike. I have used BLMA, IM, Atlas, and lately the MT wheels. I have found that the thinner MT plastic axles work better in body-mounted applications, allowing more clearance between the axle and the coupler box (1015) when the box is close to the truck. BLMA treads are a bit too fine for my layout, and Atlas wheels don't look as good as the others and seem a bit more wobble-prone.
Mike, Thank for doing this review. For some one like myself who lives far far away this information is like gold dust. I know you like a bit of speed so watch a movie called, "The Worlds Fasted Indian". Just keep rolling on. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Thanks for this valuable review, Mike. I really appreciate it. I understand the importance of axel length, but as I replace my plastic wheels with metal wheels, there's still one thing which I don't understand, and that is: should use 33" wheels or 36" wheels? I think it has something to do with the hauling weight of the car, but this has me baffled, and I can't seem to find an answer on the Internet. ...Roy
Basically the newer cars that carry 100 tons or more use 36 inch wheels, covered hoppers, tank cars, etc, the 33 inch are common on 50 ft boxcars, older hoppers, Autoracks and a lot of intermodal cars have 28 inch wheels. Of course there are always exceptions to the rules.
Hey Mike. Thanks for doing that review on those. I'm not sure if you did it off camera, but were/are they in gauge? Also you mentioned about the axel length being .53..., fox valley axel length for micro trains trucks are .540. Which is the actual correct length? Dan
Excellent video, however I do have a question. I don't recall you addressing this, but perhaps I missed it: do you have any thoughts on the sound made by metal wheels vs plastic? I'm looking for a way to get more of that prototypical "clickety clack" out of my rolling stock, do you have any suggestions?
Hello Mike whether you know it or not me and Roger belong to the same model railroad club , our layout has code 55 track , so I have had to change a lot of wheels on my cars, because of the large flanges on the original wheel sets. have changed at least 1000 sets . Lots of money nearly an axle ! My opinion metal will last longer than plastic and run better !
Hello Mike. Very informative videos. I understand you live in southern New Mexico. Wife and I will be retiring to NM from Ohio next year. Are you aware of any clubs or collectors in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe area that model vintage Lionel trains? That is my passion since leaving the N scale days some years ago. Still love N but rekindled my childhood with Lionel. Let me know if you can help. Thanks Mike!
I know there is quite a few guys into Lionel in Albq. I just do not know the groups name but here is an email of someone who can help. Harlan (Buzz) Lenander and please mention I sent you. lenanderjrs@msn.com
Mike Fifer Thanks so much Mike. I will reach out to Buzz and share your good name. Hope to meet up with you one day in beautiful NM. Best wishes to you.
So I have a question, Ive been wanting to get some and do conversions on my micro trains rolling stock, I know it says it's designed to fit all their trucks, do these work well in their heavyweight passenger cars with the 3 Axel trucks?
@@N-Scale well I thank you for your answer I'll be sure to take note of that and be careful with putting them in those trucks on my heavyweight passenger cars if I get some wheel sets.
About $2220 for the conversion.....(This includes most metal wheel sets brands). I have no issues with the plastics at this time. I do think the problem is people using no compatible solvents like acetone to clean their track. That is the problem, then complains about the plastic wheel...They just used acetone a know solvnet that eats plastic. Talk at you later mike. I'm still doing good.
@@N-Scale Thanks for your answer, your video was very helpful. I want to convert my older Atlas rolling stock to run on code 55 track, it appears that Atlas only sales Low profile wheel sets that fit Micro train trucks. I have looked online trying to figure out what wheel sets will work but to no avail, Any suggestions.
@@chuckmvs You need to accurately measure your axle length and buy the appropriate wheelsets with that length. You could also just change the trucks to Micro-Trains trucks. Mike
Low profile wheels have a tendency to fall off the code 80 rail. I use peco rail which is quality and my track is soldered throughout. Wide tread from fox valley work best and I have had zero problems with them, but they have stopped production at this time. It is the flange of the wheel that needs to be more profound in look. I have not seen 33 inch from micro trains up close to inspect the flanges. The .540 axle works best. 33 inch wheels became popular when code 55 became widely used bu the clubs. That look has what some modelers call "prototypical" I don't see any difference between them.
Mike, typically low profile wheels have smaller flanges and they roll right off code 80 rail. Athearn is famous for having this issue like on coal hoppers and tank cars. I only buy wide tread like foxvalley .540 axle wide tread metal wheels. My friend uses Kato track and has problems with them. So there is a correlation there!
Hi Mike, just wanted to say great videos. im just getting back into N scale after being out for a few years and been watching alot of your videos. glad i found both your channels. got me to change to DCC and change abunch of things that i was doing. thanks again for the great videos.
Thanks Brother and glad to have you.
Mike
Hi Mike, A very nice review and primer on Micro-Trains metal wheels. Isn't it funny how we've come full circle. My first N scale train set was from AHM / Lima in 1970 or 71 and all the rolling stock had metal wheels like what you showed in your video. Then for some unknown reason everyone switched to plastic wheels. Now the big switch is back on to metal wheels. When I started making the switch, Micro-Trains had not yet released their metal wheels, so I was converting my models to metal wheels using Fox Valley metal wheels. When Micro-Trains released their metal wheels, I figured I'd give them a try, a 12 pack and a 60 pack later and I've not been disappointed. As you mentioned in the video, the Micro-Trains metal wheels are not a direct replacement for other manufacturer's wheels because of the different axle lengths. Because of this, I've actually been replacing other manufacturer's trucks with Micro-Trains trucks and Micro-Trains metal wheels, if the rolling stock did not come equipped with metal wheels. The only exception to this was a couple of Athearn N scale "Rail Gon" gondola's that came equipped with metal wheels in the Athearn trucks with McHenry N scale couplers. The cars would wobble down the track, it seemed something was wrong with the truck side frames. So I replaced the Athearn trucks with Micro-Trains trucks and Micro-Trains metal wheels and problem solved. You do have to use the supplied Micro-Trains washer that comes with the truck pins. If not, the trucks will slip right over the Athearn bolster screw. Cheers, Rich S.
Thanks , Mike
I am new with n gauge. Grew up on HO. I have to sit down and figure it out. I was at the hobby store did not know what to get. I got cars at the train shows knew to improve them. Learned from you the weights and couplers. Now the wheels. This so much learning to do. Thanks very much.
All of the same theories apply to HO and N Scales
After watching your video , I bought a pack of these from my local hobby shop, they work great, I like that the finish is less shiny than the other brands, they look more realistic in my opinion. I also like the noise they make going over joints switches, this seems more prototypical than plastic wheels. I hope in the future they make some wheel sets to replace the plastic ones on Atlas trucks.
Thanks so much.
Mike
I have been very pleased with my micro-trains couplers on trucks. Great video Mike!
Thanks Hans, do you use the metal wheels?
@ N Scale Model Trains How To Channel, No they are all plastic wheels sets. I use Micro-Trains1030-10 Walther's #310031 Roller Bearing Trucks Box of 10 pair. These were the only ones they had in stock when I ordered a bunch of stuff. I live in Canada and shipping is a lot from the US not to mention the 30% exchange rate so I try and make the purchase worthwhile . Hobby shops in Canada are far and few between. Btw the trucks, I found, will fit the 3D N scale cares that I print for my setup and the Ticky Train cars I have as well. I sure I have said it before but I do love your layout and all the different levels you run trains on. Keep those videos coming! I hope to do some soon myself.
Thanks for posting this video. That was very helpful.
You are very welcome.
Mike
I have bought several 100 packs of FV wheels and like you said there is always one or so that have come off the axel. Matt and his crew has always sent replacements with a simple e-mail. I also have IM and BLMA on several cars. The BLMA are true scale and are great for finding poor track work. LOL The problem I have with plastic wheels is they have a slightly oily coating on them that attracts dust to them and the rail. Atlas wheels are particularly bad. With my new layout using code 55 it also makes it a good time to change over to metal wheels. Fun talking to you and Robbin at NSE Chicago! David, Tanya and Cale.
Thanks so much and good to see you all as well.
Mike & Robin
Mike,
Informative and food for thought. Thank you.
George
Thanks George.
Mike
Great timing! I've been debating going to metal wheels for a while and this video has helped me in that decision process. Leaning even more towards the metal now. I only need to change a about a half of my cars over one way or the other. Thanks again Mike :)
Glad to help.
Thanks , Mike
Excellent info and video as usual Mike. I have used BLMA, IM, Atlas, and lately the MT wheels. I have found that the thinner MT plastic axles work better in body-mounted applications, allowing more clearance between the axle and the coupler box (1015) when the box is close to the truck. BLMA treads are a bit too fine for my layout, and Atlas wheels don't look as good as the others and seem a bit more wobble-prone.
Thanks for the info Paul.
Mike
Mike, Thank for doing this review. For some one like myself who lives far far away this information is like gold dust. I know you like a bit of speed so watch a movie called, "The Worlds Fasted Indian". Just keep rolling on. Cheers, Chris Perry.
Thanks Ainsley , I have seen it and what a guy he was.
Mike
Thanks for this valuable review, Mike. I really appreciate it. I understand the importance of axel length, but as I replace my plastic wheels with metal wheels, there's still one thing which I don't understand, and that is: should use 33" wheels or 36" wheels? I think it has something to do with the hauling weight of the car, but this has me baffled, and I can't seem to find an answer on the Internet. ...Roy
It is a weight issue. You would need to know what the prototype used and to me, in n scale , I can not visually tell for a distance.
Thanks , Mike
Basically the newer cars that carry 100 tons or more use 36 inch wheels, covered hoppers, tank cars, etc, the 33 inch are common on 50 ft boxcars, older hoppers, Autoracks and a lot of intermodal cars have 28 inch wheels. Of course there are always exceptions to the rules.
wow, so much good information, thanks for the video!
Thank You Joe.
Mike
Hey Mike.
Thanks for doing that review on those. I'm not sure if you did it off camera, but were/are they in gauge? Also you mentioned about the axel length being .53..., fox valley axel length for micro trains trucks are .540. Which is the actual correct length?
Dan
Yes all were in gauge. .530-.540 will both work. .530 is the MT measurement.
Mike
NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS YET. Wish NMRA has set standards on axcels like the did on HO and other scales....thanks Mike for the review....Jack 😀
That would be a great thing for them to do.
Mike
Excellent video, however I do have a question. I don't recall you addressing this, but perhaps I missed it: do you have any thoughts on the sound made by metal wheels vs plastic? I'm looking for a way to get more of that prototypical "clickety clack" out of my rolling stock, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks , Plastic =Quiet and metal =Noisy .
Mike
Hello Mike whether you know it or not me and Roger belong to the same model railroad club , our layout has code 55 track , so I have had to change a lot of wheels on my cars, because of the large flanges on the original wheel sets. have changed at least 1000 sets . Lots of money nearly an axle ! My opinion metal will last longer than plastic and run better !
Thanks David , Mike
Your welcome Mike !
Hello Mike. Very informative videos. I understand you live in southern New Mexico. Wife and I will be retiring to NM from Ohio next year. Are you aware of any clubs or collectors in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe area that model vintage Lionel trains? That is my passion since leaving the N scale days some years ago. Still love N but rekindled my childhood with Lionel. Let me know if you can help. Thanks Mike!
I know there is quite a few guys into Lionel in Albq. I just do not know the groups name but here is an email of someone who can help. Harlan (Buzz) Lenander and please mention I sent you.
lenanderjrs@msn.com
Mike Fifer Thanks so much Mike. I will reach out to Buzz and share your good name. Hope to meet up with you one day in beautiful NM. Best wishes to you.
@@paulmatulavich7321 Thanks Paul, Mike
So I have a question, Ive been wanting to get some and do conversions on my micro trains rolling stock, I know it says it's designed to fit all their trucks, do these work well in their heavyweight passenger cars with the 3 Axel trucks?
They should but I know SOME of those trucks had some issues.
Mike
@@N-Scale well I thank you for your answer I'll be sure to take note of that and be careful with putting them in those trucks on my heavyweight passenger cars if I get some wheel sets.
About $2220 for the conversion.....(This includes most metal wheel sets brands). I have no issues with the plastics at this time. I do think the problem is people using no compatible solvents like acetone to clean their track. That is the problem, then complains about the plastic wheel...They just used acetone a know solvnet that eats plastic. Talk at you later mike. I'm still doing good.
Glad you are doing OK and I too have a mix of wheels but am currently leaning to the metal and I was a diehard plastic guy.
Mike
Will the Micro trains Wheel sets fit Atlas rolling stock?
Nope, different axle lengths.
Mike
@@N-Scale Thanks for your answer, your video was very helpful. I want to convert my older Atlas rolling stock to run on code 55 track, it appears that Atlas only sales Low profile wheel sets that fit Micro train trucks. I have looked online trying to figure out what wheel sets will work but to no avail, Any suggestions.
@@chuckmvs You need to accurately measure your axle length and buy the appropriate wheelsets with that length.
You could also just change the trucks to Micro-Trains trucks.
Mike
@@N-Scale Thanks for your advice, think I will start with measuring the axles.
Super good information.
Thanks for checking it out.
Mike
Low profile wheels have a tendency to fall off the code 80 rail. I use peco rail which is quality and my track is soldered throughout. Wide tread from fox valley work best and I have had zero problems with them, but they have stopped production at this time. It is the flange of the wheel that needs to be more profound in look. I have not seen 33 inch from micro trains up close to inspect the flanges. The .540 axle works best. 33 inch wheels became popular when code 55 became widely used bu the clubs. That look has what some modelers call "prototypical" I don't see any difference between them.
The low profile should have nothing to do with track gauge and falling off. It only refers to the height of the wheel.
Thanks , Mike
Mike, typically low profile wheels have smaller flanges and they roll right off code 80 rail. Athearn is famous for having this issue like on coal hoppers and tank cars. I only buy wide tread like foxvalley .540 axle wide tread metal wheels. My friend uses Kato track and has problems with them. So there is a correlation there!
nice review mike
I have had numerous FMV wheels fall off the axle. Never again.
I have not had any fall off after install but before install yes.
Could not get mine to stay on.
If that is the case , likely you had the wrong axle length for the trucks you are using.
Mike
I never had a problem with them, I still use a lot of plastic wheel sets to. Bob, Longshadowsmodeltrees.com
Me either, Thanks Bob, Mike