A Question - Metal Wheels

DCB

DCB

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I usually use LGB spoked metal wheelsets when changing out the original plastic ones. Just wondering if the Bachmann metal wheelsets are are around the same weight or if they are lighter than the LGB version. More than happy with LGB metal wheels, but just noticed the price difference between makes. Anyone any comment /experience about the Bachmann wheelsets.

Thanks.
 
Bachmann wheels fitted on all my non passenger carrying stock, nothing unusual to report. Definitely worth purchasing on the price alone, bargains can be had especially if buying more than one pack, never be afraid to ask for a discount!
 
I use the Bachmann/Lilliput wheels on my LGB stock. They work fine and add a little weight low down....
 
I have used both with no discrimination. Of course the Backman. Ones are not spoked, but that is not a problem on most prototype models.
 
I've used both too. One thing to watch out for. Bachmann has both "G Scale Wheels" also labelled as "Standard Metal Wheel Sets", part #92421 which are 31mm dia. and "1:20.3 Finescale 32.5 MM Wheel Sets", #88071. In my experience, the finescale wheels seem better made, and are a bit heavier but can drag against the molded on brakes of LGB two axle wagons because of their slightly bigger diameter. I was disappointed with the QC on the standard wheels. Two out of the 4 "Standard" wheel sets in a pack I bought to check them out had noticeable wobble due to poorly aligned center holes. One was so bad it really wasn't usable. I ended up using the finescale wheels I bought on a 4 axle wagon where clearance wasn't an issue. They work great in this application and I haven't had any coupler problems caused by the slightly bigger diameter. But, I've gone back buying only LGB metal wheel sets when I need to replace some plastic wheels. They cost around twice as much as the Bachmann wheels but their quality is consistent.

Edit added: I will probably try Bachmann's smaller 24.5 mm diameter wheel sets when I get around to replacing the wheels on my LGB log dis-connects. I've got link and pin couplers on these so coupler height is not really an issue.
 
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Just measured some wheels and the 31 standard would appear to be LGB as near as I can see thus the Bachman Standard Metal Wheel Sets", part #92421 are the normal replacement. These are in fact the ines that I have used never having come across the slightly larger ones. Yes the odd set of Bachman wheels can be a little wobbly and sometimes a little out of gauge but with the LGB tolerances it tends to make little difference. Well worth while to save the money if you have a big fleet and metal wheels make such an overall difference to running quality that the conversion from plastic is a no brainer IMHO.
 
dunnyrail said:
metal wheels make such an overall difference to running quality that the conversion from plastic is a no brainer IMHO.
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Couldn't agree more with this statement! Anybody want to buy a bucket full of plastic wheels?
Could be I just had bad luck with the package of Bachmann Standard Metal Wheel Sets I bought. Sounds like others on this site have not really had any issues.
 
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phils2um said:
Couldn't agree more with this statement! Anybody want to buy a bucket full of plastic wheels?
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Two buckets, as I have plenty of spare plastic wheels too....
 
Thanks everyone for the info. I fitted my coaches with LGB metal wheels with pick ups (for lighting) years ago. But I’ve got six two axle wagons with their original plastic wheels. For what everyone is saying it sounds like I should change them to metal. So what are the advantages of doing that for my little indoor layout?
 
phils2um said:
Edit added: I will probably try Bachmann's smaller 24.5 mm diameter wheel sets when I get around to replacing the wheels on my LGB log dis-connects. I've got link and pin couplers on these so coupler height is not really an issue.
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Go for it, they work.

Trick with those, is the axlebox (the black bit) is clipped in with a couple of ears. Get the needle nose, squeeze the ears, and everything drops out. Just make sure the box firmly clips back in.
 
ColinK said:
Thanks everyone for the info. I fitted my coaches with LGB metal wheels with pick ups (for lighting) years ago. But I’ve got six two axle wagons with their original plastic wheels. For what everyone is saying it sounds like I should change them to metal. So what are the advantages of doing that for my little indoor layout?
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Lowers the centre of gravity, and the trains 'hug' the track better..... more tolerant of dodgy track, and, hey mister, they go faster round the corners.
 
phils2um said:
Couldn't agree more with this statement! Anybody want to buy a bucket full of plastic wheels?
Could be I just had bad luck with the package of Bachmann Standard Metal Wheel Sets I bought. Sounds like others on this site have not really had any issues.
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Out of over 200 wheel sets that I have put in, only one wheel on one axle was crook. It was the plastic bit between the axle and the wheel hub. I actually found a bit of tube, and did a repair job.
 
I have used the 24.5mm Bachmann wheels on my 4 wheel wood chassis wagons to get the weight down low for better running.
If I use the plastic wheels I carefully take one wheel off the axle, glue some heavy metal washers on the back of the wheels, paint then black (using a permanent marker) so they cannot be seen and they run just as well and are more economical.
 
Another advantage of metal wheels is that they keep the rail-head clean.

The plastic wheels seem to accumulate crud on the contact surface/tread....
 
phils2um said:
Couldn't agree more with this statement! Anybody want to buy a bucket full of plastic wheels?
Could be I just had bad luck with the package of Bachmann Standard Metal Wheel Sets I bought. Sounds like others on this site have not really had any issues.
Click to expand...
I got rid of most of mine on EBay. Listed for offers at a starting price of .99p plus post of course. Always listed on free listing days, some went for the 99p but others got into a bidding war. I think the best I made was around £7.00. Some idiot even complained that they were not Bachmann as when I posted them I used an old Bachmann packet to keep them secure. Told him to look at my advert that told the complete story and only showed a set of LGB wheels. You just cannot account for morons.

Why would I take the bother to list them? Well a way of clearing of rubbish and there are people out in the world that either cannot afford wheels or just like a bargain for a project.
 
Thanks for all the advice. I've spoken to Tim at Arcadia Models, replacement metal wheels are on their way to me.
 
Thanks folks. I have always changed out my plastic wheels to LGbB spoked metal ones. It certainly does make a difference. Think I'll give the Bachmann wheelset a try
 
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