Large Scale Central

Replacement Locomotive Wheels

Track and Trestles
#14

Greg, et al,

I spoke to the new owner shortly after the purchase and was told sort of the same thing Greg Was. My call was regarding the ‘G’ scale ‘Flea Drive’. After a short bit of conversation, it was apparent to me that David Rygmire (I think that is the last name) was a publisher, and not a manufacturer or knowledgable in large scale train material things. As Greg eludes, if it is clear on the boxes of ‘stuff’’ he bought what the part is, he will sell it.

I have personally written NWSL off my supplier list. Sad, because NWSL used to have a top notch reputation.

My tuppence worth.

#15

There should be quite a market in Aristo wheels, so we can hope, but why after all this time, would he decide to finally get back into the business of making the wheels?

With the economy tough, it’s a stretch.

But, the market is there I believe. $4 a wheel I’ll believe when I see it, nickel silver might be a better choice, both for traction and cost.

Greg

#16

I would have a chat with Dave Queener at Cumberland Model Engineering. He has the equipment, and he has produced tapered wheels for an Aristo FA block.

#17

I only own one Aristo locomotive, and have had no wheel issues so far…knock on wood. However, if I were going through the issues I have heard folks talk about, and seen at club meets I would think differently about just replacing the wheels. I would be looking at replacing the axle and wheels with something that has a positive lock and solid mounting method. Using a Morse Taper to mount wheels on a locomotive is a risky business, as it takes a high quality shop to get the kind of repeatability required to maintain the required setups and specifications. PRC has across the board shown they are not that shop.

My tuppence worth.

#18

With the many varied used in kit-bashing and scratch-building, and the large number of Aristo units out there, someone could make a nice cottage industry just making the powered trucks.

#19

Anyone wishing to make power trucks only, that are reliable, guaged properly and at least close to scale wheels should be able to do a nice cottage industry. However the setup costs in this country will eliminate any chance of that. In todays economy it would take too long to recoup the investment for anyone to get involved. PRC has a strangle hold on the Aristo and Bachmann lines. The best hope is for someone like HLW or USAT to step up and get the spare parts available, and so far that hasn’t happened.

#20

USAT does make motor block and power trucks. And since they make an Alco, they make Alco power trucks. I keep forgetting that “detail”. But I was shopping around for a pair of USAT Flexcoil trucks a month or so ago, and, they are a bit pricey. I do not know how pricey the Alco tracks are from USAT.

#21

I am happy to say that after 2 months, Dave and Linda @NWSL have produced an exact replacement wheel. Back in January, I sent Dave a GP-40 Wheel and Gear box w/Axle and he reproduced the wheel exactly. This wheel will fit an GP-40, Dash-9 and SD-45. My test wheels will be arriving next week. They are stainless steel or nickel silver and are around $6.00/ea. I will post more after I receive and test them. Now we can all throw away those nasty plating peeling wheels.

Joe

#22

Joe do you have a set of calipers so we can get a measurement on the back to back? If not, can you take the loco to RJ and have him measure it?

If it’s good I will order a bunch and so will many others.

Good news…

Greg

#23

Greg, I’ll go over to RJ’s and get the info when I get the wheels.

#24

Wheels are NS from what I understand. Later RJD

#25

Thought $6 was pretty cheap for SS wheels, SS is a pain to work, NS much easier.

Waiting with bated breath.

Greg

#26

Dave said he only has a little NS left, then cannot get anymore.

#27

That is weird, no more nickle silver? Very strange.

Anyway, HI JOE! … hope to see you again soon!

Let us know how they turn out.

Greg

#28

He did not say if it was a cost or availability issue…

Joe

#29

Wheels Came today. Installed in under 10 minutes. Locomotives run great. No problems thru turnouts. Greg… I’ll have the measurements you want tomorrow. These fit a GP-40, Dash -9 and SD-45 Just let Dave know what locomotive you need them for. Part #:96002001

#30

Look very nice Joe.

There does not look to be too much taper to the tread.

Are they indeed NS or SS? Did it say on the paperwork?

Greg

#31

Greg, the tag said bright nickel silver

Joe

#32

Great… that is what they look like… you might update your post on MLS because you say SS.

I’ll bet your loco runs WAAAAAAY better now!

Thanks for blazing the trail for us.

Greg

#33

Thanks Greg…It’s corrected… Don’t know why I put SS. Although, he plans on making them in SS once the supply of NS is gone.