Rapido Metal Wheelsets

[ryan_wilkerson]

Maybe I missed the announcement but I just noticed these at MTS.
33" and 36" available in 12, 50 or 100 packs.
Would like to see how these compare to FVM (looks like it would be closer to wide tread)
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/N-Scale-Trucks-Wheelsets-s/1474.htm?searching=Y&sort=4&cat=1474&show=30&page=1&brand=Rapido

[BCR751]

There is no mention of axle width or what brand of cars these fit.  Anyone.......?

Doug

[CR4100]

Rapido website shows an axle length of 13.72mm which is .540 in. https://rapidotrains.com/n-scale-wheelsets/

I'm not in love with the shape of the wheel face.  It looks kinda flat with a fat rim.  I'll probably order a 12-pack and see what they look like.

[thomasjmdavis]

Thanks for the axle length info.  I like the way my Rapido cars roll, so these may prove useful.

I want to thank Rapido for making the 6 wheel roller bearing passenger trucks available (on the same MBK page as the wheels).  I had an email conversation years ago with Mike McGrattan, when he replied to a post I put up (here or maybe on N scale varnish) about needing similar trucks for a couple projects.  We sent several emails back and forth discussing baggage cars and roller bearing trucks.  I never got to meet him in person, and envy those of you who did.  Some of those projects are still waiting for trucks, so I know they will sell a few.

[Tom L]

Would these be the same wheelsets that are on the meat reefers?

 If so, they are not as "fine" as FVM wheels, more on par with Athearn metal and InterMountain "high" detail sets.

Tom L
Wellington

[rapidotrains]

Would these be the same wheelsets that are on the meat reefers?

 If so, they are not as "fine" as FVM wheels, more on par with Athearn metal and InterMountain "high" detail sets.

Tom L
Wellington

No. The meat reefers were a complete disaster, including the wheelsets.

These have larger flanges than the meat reefer wheelsets. Check our baggage cars for the profile.

-Jason

[peteski]

No. The meat reefers were a complete disaster, including the wheelsets.

-Jason

Wow Jason, if you are not saying this in jest, then I applaud you for stating that.
Maybe some day there will be a "new and improved" N scale meat reefer from Rapido.  I would buy them.

[Cajonpassfan]

Jason, I very much appreciate you being here and so open. But out of curiosity, why do *you*consider them a disaster? Poor sales? Wheelsets? The Peteski (gasp) "gaps"? I have six of them, replaced the wheelsets, and live happily with the gaps. Sure, I'd prefer a better rendition of the wood sides, but it's  a great and unique prototype for my transition era. THANK YOU for making them available for us, imperfections and all. Positives include a great prototype, great tracking and weight, good proportions, nice details (other than the gaps), body mounted couplers, crisp paint schemes, etc etc. Pic below...
Otto K.

[peteski]

But out of curiosity, why do *you*consider them a disaster? Poor sales? Wheelsets? The Peteski (gasp) "gaps"?

To be fair to me, there were others who also found the gaps objectionable.  I probably just happened to be most vocal about it (right after I saw the prototype castings, hoping that it was not too late for Rapido to make them better).
From how I understand injection molding, the existing molds could be fixed to shrink those gaps by removing some material from the molds. Removing martial from an existing mold should be easier than adding it.

[Cajonpassfan]

Fair enough Peteski.
I don't care for the gaps either, but live with them because I need these cars on my railroad.
Otto K.

[Lemosteam]

@rapidotrains , if you are willing to share, can you please confirm the axle diameter on these wheelsets?  I have 3d printed axle insulators that i use to create fully non-polarized insulated axles and they fit a 1.5mm diameter shaft.