When models get a little older they can often suffer from their decals starting to crack or flake. This can be very...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How do you stop old decals flaking off models?Read more -
Can I operate two point motors with the same switch?Read moreThere are times when you may want to operate more than one set of points using just one switch, examples of locations...
-
What are whistle boards?Read moreWhistle boards are signs placed at the side of railways tracks to inform train drivers of when they should blow their...
-
What is meant by the term 'Banker Engine' and where would they be used ?Read moreThe term 'Banker Engine' refers to a locomotive that assists in pushing or pulling trains up steep gradients or...
-
What is the Hornby era system for model railway?Read moreThe era system was introduced to model railways so that modellers could easily identify what period in history a...
What advantages do metal wheels on a wagon have over plastic ones?
Metal wheels on a wagon offer several advantages over plastic ones. Here are some of them:
- Realistic appearance: metal wheels often provide a more realistic appearance compared to plastic ones. They tend to have finer details and replicate the look of prototype wheels more accurately. The metallic finish and precise moulding enhance the overall visual appeal of the rolling stock on a layout.
- Improved weight and stability: metal wheels are typically heavier than plastic wheels. This additional weight helps improve the stability and tracking of the wagon on the tracks. It can reduce instances of wheel slippage or derailments, especially on layouts with uneven or challenging track conditions.
- Better electrical conductivity: in some cases, modellers may choose to have an electrical pickup in a wagon such as a Brake Van and metal wheels will be essential for electrical conductivity. This conductivity allows for reliable power pickup and distribution to the electrical components on the wagon. It helps prevent issues such as voltage drops, erratic operation, or loss of electrical contact between the wheels and the track.
- Enhanced running performance: metal wheels often result in smoother running performance due to their higher mass and precise manufacturing. They tend to roll more freely and maintain consistent contact with the track, leading to improved traction and smoother movement of the wagon. This can result in more realistic and reliable operations on a layout.
- Compatibility with magnetic uncoupling systems: if a layout incorporates magnetic uncoupling systems, metal wheels are advantageous. These systems utilize magnets to uncouple wagons, and metal wheels are more responsive to magnetic forces compared to plastic ones. This makes coupling and uncoupling operations more efficient and reliable.
It's worth noting that the choice between metal and plastic wheels ultimately depends on personal preference, the specific requirements of the layout and the level of detail and realism the modeller is aiming to achieve. Some modellers prefer plastic wheels for certain applications, such as reducing noise or improving running on less demanding layouts.
However, when it comes to overall performance, authenticity, and compatibility with advanced features, metal wheels are often favoured by enthusiasts. They provide a range of benefits, including improved appearance, weight, balance, stability, electrical conductivity, running performance, and compatibility with magnetic uncoupling systems.
Posted in: Rolling stock
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Metal 3-Hole Disc Wagon Wheels (x10)
Price: £ 19.95Metal 3-Hole Disc Wagon Wheels (x10) 12.6mm wheel diameter
Metal Split Spoked Wagon Wheels (x10)
Price: £ 19.95Metal Split Spoked Wagon Wheels (x10) 12.6mm wheel diameter
Brass turned coach disc wheels on 10 metal axles
Price: £ 19.95Brass turned coach disc wheels on 10 metal axles
Related posts
-
How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This... - Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are tension lock couplings?Tension lock couplings are the standard couplings for model trains in the UK. These are the ones we all know from...
- How do I test the width between the wheels of my engines?The best way to check the wheels of your locomotives is to use a tool called a back to back gauge. They are...
- How do I clean the wheels of my engine?One easy way is to get yourself a Peco cleaning kit containing a wire brush, wheel scraper, foam cradle and oil. The...