Formula for working out drag on curves

[Rhinochugger]

Nope, the correct term is taper for this industry....


Greg

You got there - it's an age thing, and my mind was dredging up the right word

 

[AustrianNG]

For those not in the know. Al Kramer who is eBay seller 'ana.kramer' used to own San Val and still sells the wheels in ball bearing and plain versions.

Items for sale by ana.kramer | eBay

I wonder if they can be had for a Reasonable price from the USA......
The ball bearing versions are a very good product. The only other ball bearing wheels I am aware of are the LGB electrical pick ones and a similar type that FGB Berlin do - both are sold in pairs but you are looking at £40 a pair plus postage.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

The Al/Ana Kramer / San Val are a good value, but the bearing insert is very visible and some do not like it.

The Train Line 45 are all stainless and look great, but a bit more money.

Greg

 

[AustrianNG]

Here we go. Not cheap. Dunno how much her majesty’s highway robbers would add to the price.
Ana.kramer......

10 Pairs, 20 Axles G Scale BALL BEARING Roll-EZ SILVER Metal Wheels Fits LGB | eBay

T hefinest G-Scale BALL BEARING wheels made. Solid BRASS and then Silver Plated and they have STAINLESS STEEL AXLES so they cannot rust and they are double insulated. 1-1/8 TIRE, 1-3/8 FLANGE. These fit all USA Trains, all Bachmann standard length cars, all Aristo-Craft standard cars, all LGB...

www.ebay.com

 

[AustrianNG]

The Al/Ana Kramer / San Val are a good value, but the bearing insert is very visible and some do not like it.

The Train Line 45 are all stainless and look great, but a bit more money.

Greg

just spray the whole assembly in mat black.
dunno why they do them in chrome - unrealistic.

 

[Paradise]

Regarding Independent Ball Bearing Wheels;
FWIW; Custom Model Products (CMP) brass coaches came equipped with ball bearing wheels.

I think CMP who no longer exist commissioned Accucraft to make their custom offerings.

 

[The Tinker]

I use Al Kramer wheels without the bearings, they work well I oil axle boxes before use, they roll freely and add some weight to the trains. They also make longer trains harder to stop, just like the real thing. Excellent behind my live steamers. Means you have to drive them. Also wheels seem to always be in gauge and roll true unlike some of the other steel wheels I have tried. Price is not to bad

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Nice, but the thread is about reducing rolling resistance (see first post), and no matter how nice, no plain bearing will approach the resistance of a ball bearing... we apparently cannot use needle-tip axles like the smaller scales.

I likewise use ordinary wheels on most rolling stock, but 80 foot passenger cars on steep grades need help unless I double head all consists. Also in my case, the lighted cars have high friction brushes on the backs of the wheels, further compounding the issues.

Greg