D&Hfan wrote: Thanks for the info'. How critical is the axle length between the points? These 'Model Power' ones are about 0.565"
------------------------------------------------- Of course, the wheels are always the same distance apart (if they're in gauge).
The best bet would be to find the identical length axles if you can. Precision Masters made wheelsets in a variety of axle lengths but when Red Caboose purchased PM, I believe they discontinued these.
You might find a hobby shop that has a stock of the old PM wheels. They came in a neat plastic box that could be used as a steel coil cover on a flat car.
It's only the tips of the axles that vary. I found that as long as the wheelset stays in the truck frame without falling out, you shoud be ok.
If you happen to get some wheelsets with axles that are a little bit too long, you can ream the axle seats in the truck frames slightly with an X-Acto (or similar) #11 blade. I've done that a few times successfully. Don't overdo it though since there's no turning back!
You don't want the car "wandering" or "galloping" on the track! The older Model Power metal wheelsets with the off-center axles would "gallop."
If you ream too large of a "seat" for the axle, the car will "wander."
I hope you know what I'm trying to say here.
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