QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 27 Aug 2007, 03:34)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>This question managed to get my head bitten off on another part of the froum with no useful assistance but I'd still like to pursue it.
Why?
Because I'd like to consider building an HO scale, realistic model of an EU Prototype but dislike the larger flanges used on EU made/designed models. Please understand this is NOT negative to EU models or modellers.. almost every EU loco I see is well designed and made, and has a really nice mechanism... except for the overscale wheels.
Question 1
Which brands which make immediately pre & post WW2 German Steam loco's use finer flanges, preferably approaching NMRA RP25-88 or similar dimensiions
Question 2
I'm aware of superb quality brass loco's such as Micro Metakit so there must be a range of small suppliers, however I do not know them. Are there any EU based sources of correct high quality replacement wheelsets for HO scale lcomotives.
Regards
Richard
Hi Richard,
I had a look at your posts on another part of this forum and can see why you had to duck for cover
Hope you will feel safer on this side.
On a serious note however - I understand your concerns about the wheelsets of German Steam locomotives and would like to share my experience with different types of wheelsets. Maybe this will shed some light on the subject and calm the storm.
What I have to say about wheelsets applies to locomotives and rolling stock. You can not replace the wheels of a loco without replacing the wheels of your rolling stock.
Most models of European locomotives and rolling stock from today's European manufactures come fitted with the NEM standard wheelsets and can run on Code 75 track. The same can be said about the American models although most of these models are fitted with RP25-88 or similar wheels.
RP25-88 or similar wheels have become very popular with American modellers in recent years, although it has not the same following amongst European modellers.
I have had experience with both types of wheels. I am a member of an operating group of an American type layout. All locos and rolling stock are fitted with RP25-88 or similar wheels and runs on meticulously laid Peco Code 100 track, points (switches) and double slips. During operating sessions we sometimes experience some annoying derailments especially over the double slips. We came to the conclusion that the RP25-88 flanges are just not deep enough to keep the locos and rolling stock on track unless the train moves very slowly through the double slip. It was also found that the American models of rolling stock are in general lighter than models of similar European rolling stock which also aggrevates the derailment problem.
On the other hand I was a member of modular club operaring in HO-scale. I had modules with a large German station. All tracks, points and double slips were Peco Code 100. The station had 5 lines running through it necessitating the use of 3 double slips. Almost all the locomotives and rolling stock including some American stock were fitted with the NEM standard type wheels. Derailments were kept to a minimum and were usually caused by human error (as in real life
) We all know that a derailment during an exhibition can be embarrasing and very annoying.
Maybe the fact that NEM standard wheels give less problems than RP25-88 wheels has convinced the European manufacturers to stay with the NEM standards.
Whether to use RP25-88 wheels or NEM standard wheels is a personal choice. Degrading a model will not make the choice easier.
Do this test. Take two similar items of rolling stock and fit the one with RP25-88 wheels or similar and the other with NEM standard wheels. Now place it on a piece of track and stand a metre away. Can you REALLY AND HONESTLY see the difference in the wheels
We are happy to accept a model of a loco that is maybe a millimeter to short or a model of a building or structure that has been selectively compressed so that it will fit on our layouts. But when the subject of wheels are mentioned, it causes quite a stir amongst forum members. Aren't we starting to do some rivet counting and take the pleasure out of the hobby
I know that some of the forum members have distanced themselves from Richard, but it will be interesting to have the comments of our experienced modellers on this subject.
RP25-88 wheels or NEM standard wheels
Do not allow this to derail the hobby.
Remember - Model trains is a lifelong hobby where all tracks lead to good friends
Kind regards.
Johan