[eheading]

I have to thank you guys. I would not have thought of installing Bachmann steel wheels on my Aristo cars if I hadn't seen the idea presented here. Well anyway, I converted 8 cars from plastic wheels to steel wheels today using the Bachmann wheels. They work just perfectly!! I notice that the Bachmann sets have plastic axles while the ARisto's have steel axles, but they still add considerable weight to the car, and seem to work just fine.

So anyway, thanks for the great idea!! I can confirm that it is definitely a good idea!

Ed

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Ed, as they age, they might slip out of gauge, so you can put a drop of CA on the axle if this happens.

Regards, Greg

 

[eheading]

That's good to know, Greg. Thanks!

Ed

 

[Snoq Pass]

"I notice that the Bachmann sets have plastic axles while the Aristo's have steel axles...."

The Bachmann wheels have a metal axle, the part you see is just a plastic cover.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

I think Ed knew this (I did too), just you see a lot of plastic over that metal center, so I made no comment.

Now that I think of it Ed, be sure to check the gauge since sometimes they get "squished" together, if you have an Aristo gauge, that's a good tool.

Regards, Greg

 

[Pete Thornton]

FYI. Bachmann metal wheels are certainly better than plastic ones, but not perfect. They are cast and not machined, so the tread has slight imperfections - bumps and hollows. You wouldn't notice outdoors, but indoors they are very noisy. I used to pull a 13-hopper EBT coal train and it roared and rumbled.

Aftermarket wheels, like Sierra Valley, are turned in a lathe to smooth the surface. The latest Accucraft wheels are almost the same price as bachmann but look a little smoother - though I don't know if they are turned.

 

[eheading]

Actually, you give me too much credit, Greg. I did not realize that the axles on the Bachmann wheels were steel coated with plastic. I know that plastic wheels have plastic axles, and I just figured this was one way they kept the cost down. I am pleased to hear that the axles are steel "down inside" though. It looks as though the gage on my wheels is okay, which makes it nice too!

That is interesting about the rough surface, Pete. I did notice the surface of the wheels seemed a little rougher than the Aristo wheels I have, but I don't notice any difference in operation outdoors, or on the concrete floor in my garage/yard.

Ed