I have here some Aristo Craft 53Ft Evans with plastic wheels and the rotating bearing cap and want to replace them with metal wheels
Is there a substitute for the plastic wheels in metal?
Metal wheels are available from Gary Raymond, Kadee, and San Val. They retail in the USA for $8.00 to $10.00 USD, depending on where you buy them. I’m sure there are other wheels suitable for your task. Those are the three I am familiar with.
I know that the ones Aristo made for the roller bearing trucks had slightly longer axles Steve. I have heard of folks making the Bachmann wheels work, but I never tried it.
Gary makes wheelsets with the longer axle. Don’t think Kadee does, by its worth asking. No idea about San Val…have to ask. I’m not a big fan of Bachmann wheels, though I use some.
Steve Featherkile said:
Gary makes wheelsets with the longer axle. Don’t think Kadee does, by its worth asking. No idea about San Val…have to ask. I’m not a big fan of Bachmann wheels, though I use some.
Steve thanks. I don’t think Kadee does either. Agree on the Bachmann wheels - will ask San Val and see what the go is
Gang just tried to get onto San Val and everywhere it is said that they have closed the doors. That’s a bummer - will have to try other places now
You might want to read Ted Doskaris’ page on the Evans car to see the wheels/trucks in detail, it also mentions the differences in the wheels from the regular wheels.
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/ted-doskaris-vignettes/aristo-evans-improvements
You won’t be able to use the “regular” replacement wheels due to the differences in the axles, etc.
Also this page has more specifics on the wheels in the Barber trucks:
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/ted-doskaris-vignettes/aristo-metal-wheels-issues
This should help clear confusion, and also help you avoid ordering wheels that will not work in your trucks.
Greg
Greg thank you. I have those 2 sites saved and never even thought of them. There is a lot of very useful information contained therein.
Eric thanks for the link
Bob,
Getting the correct 29111D wheels these days is all but impossible. I have been using Gary Raymond A34 wheels either plated or unplated. It does require a modification to the sideframes. I remove the small plastic protrusion that the bearing sits up against. Then narrow the bushing by the same amount as the removed plastic. When the bearing is replaced it should fit flush on the outer edge just like before. The Raymond wheels should now fit and roll nice and free. I have seen three or four different methods for truck modifications. Something should work for you.
They were somewhat hard to find when there was a company called Aristocraft.
Paul Burch said:
Bob,
Getting the correct 29111D wheels these days is all but impossible. I have been using Gary Raymond A34 wheels either plated or unplated. It does require a modification to the sideframes. I remove the small plastic protrusion that the bearing sits up against. Then narrow the bushing by the same amount as the removed plastic. When the bearing is replaced it should fit flush on the outer edge just like before. The Raymond wheels should now fit and roll nice and free. I have seen three or four different methods for truck modifications. Something should work for you.
Paul thank you. Since I have found out about San Val I have sent away for some to see how I will go with your suggestion.
Any 29111D wheel packs out there would be worth their weight in gold now. Havn’t seen any around for awhile now.
Bob, those are merely 2 pages out of a website of 650 pages. Note the menu on the left side. Bookmark the site, and try navigating around some time. I think you will find some interesting stuff.
Regards, Greg
Bob Hayes said:
Greg thank you. I have those 2 sites saved and never even thought of them. There is a lot of very useful information contained therein.
Eric thanks for the link
Greg I couldn’t agree more - there is a wealth of information in those sites.
Have had a quick look and will delve into it more tomorrow.
Thanks again for the info