Since I've installed resisters on probably 400 Intermountain wheelsets, I was a little concerned if they did a complete replacement of their product, whether my method would still work. So I asked my contacts at Intermountain what their plan was. The reply:
There are two wheel types that will be available. The "regular" wheel, items 60050/60051/60052 will have the new profile on front only. The new item numbers, 60070/60071/60074, will have the new profile on front and the new profile on back. The regular wheels are not changing in price at this time despite the new profile on front, the new back profile on the 70 series wheels requires more machine time so are a little more expensive. Initial Reservations on the new product are to gauge whether there is any interest in the more expensive front/back profile. If we don't see demand there, we won't do them. Our "regular" wheels will continue to be an in-stock item, the new 70 series will be after we see if there is sufficient interest to carry them in stock.
So I guess that answers a couple questions that were mentioned here. You guys have bitched about the front profile of the current design, so they listened. And essentially proposed the next step. Maybe nobody in N scale cares, but they are giving you a chance to voice your opinion.
Bill Kepner