Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Wheel Set

Guide To Model Train Set Wheels - Plastic Vs Metal

A model train set can have either plastic or metal wheels. Understanding model train wheel-set construction is important when considering which type of wheels is best for you.

A train wheel consists of a flange and a tread. The flange is the inside part of the wheel and is deeper (or longer) than the other. The tread is the flat portion that actually rides on the rail. (Real trains have the same type flange and tread manufacture.) Some wheels are mounted on an adjustable axle, which allows for some rotation of the wheels. In actuality, this two-part design of the wheel and axle is called the wheel-set. Some trains have plastic wheel-sets and some have metal wheel-sets, while still others use a combination of plastic and metal to create the wheel-set.

Plastic wheel-sets pick up an electrical charge because they are nonconductive, creating a static charge, much like static electricity in a house. This static electricity causes the wheel-sets to Since the plastic wheel-sets do not conduct electricity, there is the potential for less shorting out during your model trains operation.

Plastic wheels may become pitted due to wear and tear, causing eventual replacement of the wheels. Plastic wheels are typically quieter than metal wheels, so your train set can operate with little external sound. Usually plastic wheels can be easily cleaned by wiping them with a facial tissue.

Oiling plastic wheels is tricky in that too much oil causes the train to drag and demands more cleaning. Too little oil prevents the wheels from rolling smoothly.

The black plastic metal wheel sets may provide a more authentic look, as real train wheels are usually black.

Metal wheel-sets weigh a bit more than a plastic wheel-set, which can provide added stability to the model train set on its track, especially around curves and on grades. This means the train could sit more steadily on the track. Metal wheels could increase the train’s pulling capacity due to the added weight.

Metal wheel-sets provide a more realistic sounding clickety-clack that you would hear on a real train.

Metal wheel-sets provide a smoother operation, according to some National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) enthusiasts. A model train with metal wheels generally keeps the track cleaner and doesn’t require cleaning as often as plastic wheel-sets.

The silver color on metal wheel-sets provides a brightness that can help make your train set look new, even if it’s many years old.

If you are unsure of your preference between plastic and metal, you should experiment with both. Keep a log of noise, cleaning frequency, and derailments; all of these items can help you determine the best choice of wheel-sets for your individual train set. You may find that some train cars perform better with plastic wheel-sets and others with metal wheel-sets. The main goal is your overall enjoyment and ease of caring for your train set.

About the Author

hongfengflange.com is the leading manufactory and exporter of steel flange in Zhejiang Province of China.We are specialized in manufacturing and exporting Forged Steel Flange and Pipe Fittings.Welcome to contact and visit for business.

AT-5W081 main wheel set $15.04 wheel

wheel Axle (SET) $5 wheel Axle (SET)

Hex Wheel Nut (set) $3 Hex Wheel Nut (set)

Wheel Axle (set) $6 Wheel Axle (set)

Wheel Nut (SET) $2 Wheel Nut (SET)

Belt wheel set $2.02 Belt wheel set 60P-ERZ-042

Front-wheel drive set $4 Front-wheel drive set

BELT WHEEL SET $2.5 BELT WHEEL SET

Belt Guide Wheel Set $3.5 Belt Guide Wheel Set

Belt wheel set (HM-35C-Z-25) $5 Belt wheel set (HM-35C-Z-25)

Wheel Balancer by Centramatic for Jeep $199.99 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern;Set of four Wheel Balancer by Centramatic for Jeep

60X25mm Wheel D25/30 Tail Wheel Mount Set $2.5 60X25mm Wheel D25/30 Tail Wheel Mount Set

Internal Spline Wheel Locks by Gorilla $18.99 Set of 4;1/2 in. thread Internal Spline Wheel Locks by Gorilla

AT-5W071 front wheel set $15.04 front wheel

Wheel Bearing Set by Omix-Ada for Jeep $41.99 1965-76 CJ inner bearing;1965-86 CJ outer bearing;Drum brake JEEP CJ5 CJ6 M38A1 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 2.2L (134) 3.1L Diesel (192) 3.7L Dauntless (225) DIESEL GAS Wheel Bearing Set by Omix-Ada for Jeep

G-2 Wheel Bearing Kit for Jeep $37.99 G2 Axle and Gear Rear Wheel Bearing Kit;Set 9 Bearing;3353 Inner Seal;35938 Outer Seal G-2 Wheel Bearing Kit for Jeep

Aluminum Wheel Spacers $125.99 Jeep Wrangler (1987-2006); Jeep Cherokee (1984-2001); Jeep Comanche (1987-1993); Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993-1998); Jeep Liberty (2002-2010); Wheel Spacer Set; Pair, 5 on 4-1/2 in.;

Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeRed $13.5 Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeRed

Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromePurple $13.5 Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromePurple

Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeGreen $13.5 Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeGreen

Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeBlue $13.5 Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeBlue

Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeYellow $13.5 Wheel complete Set 2Pcs ChromeYellow

Trans Dapt Custom Wheel Accent $254.99 Cover unsightly disc brake calipers and drums, with a set of Trans-Dapt wheel accents. Polished stainless steel. For 15 in. or 17 in. 5-lug wheels.

Jeep Wheel Bearing Set by 4Wheel Drive Hardware SET18 $68.98 1945-64 Jeep CJ;Inner bearing;Drum brake JEEP CJ-2A CJ-3A CJ-3B CJ5 CJ6 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 2.2L (134) GAS Jeep Wheel Bearing Set by 4Wheel Drive Hardware SET18

Wheel Bearing Set by Omix-Ada $41.99 1965-76 CJ inner bearing;1965-86 CJ outer bearing;Drum brake

Standard Mag Wheel Chrome Lugs for Jeep $6.99 7/16 in. x 20 right hand;Set of 5;Mag style;Chrome plated steel;Closed end Standard Mag Wheel Chrome Lugs for Jeep

Wheel Balancer by Centramatic $199.99 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern;Set of four

Redcat Racing AT-5W071 Front Wheel Set $21.63 Front wheel.

81011 17mm Wheel mount set 2pcs $15.04 Wheel mount

Redcat Racing AT5W071 Front Wheel Set $26.78 Front wheel.