ExactRail wheel announcement (video)

[GaryHinshaw]

Are these wheels different than the metal ones that have been shipping with their latest releases? I don't have any in front of me to study, but I don't think they have the rear profile -- not that I crave that feature.

I'm mezzo-mezzo on this development.  I don't have much need for wheels at this time, and I really don't feel a need for another wheel manufacturer.  I have numerous modern cars that come with MT 70T trucks that are not correct, so I tend to replace those with BLMA 100T trucks, and their great wheels.  Add to that a pretty good stock of FVM wheels, and I'm set for quite some time.  What I really need now is a good body-mount coupler (read NZT Proto-Mate, I hope).

RE ER's business model: my only complaint about it is the ~$25 shipping charge to Canada (or the $150 minimum for free shipping).   For comparison, my last shipment from a well-known CA e-tailer cost me $6.75 for shipping.  ER's rates are just insane, so I'll wait until I can amass $150 worth, which means I might miss out on some hot items.  Too bad, because I like a lot of their products.

Some bashing, some praise.

-gfh

[Robbman]

Prototype axles don't taper all the way to the middle... and they're also different depending on journal diameter.  If you're going to do it, and hype it, you should at least do it right... at least they didn't borrow the wheel design from me...

...and let's leave it at that here.  -gfh

[wcfn100]

Prototype axles don't taper all the way to the middle...

This picture looks like there's a flat area.

http://www.exactrail.com/skin/frontend/exactrail/desktop/images/announcements-blogs/announcement-07-27-2012/wheelset-full.jpg


It may mean renouncing my rivet counter status, but I'm not going to get hung up if there isn't a .0375" area that's not tapered on the center of the axle. 


Jason

[choochooboy]

>Robbman said: my IP Lawyer would have a fit.

I have no idea what you are trying to insinuate.

If a claim of this kind had any basis whatsoever, it is reckless to breech on a public forum.  The fact is, it is only mentioned because it is slander.

ExactRail's contributes actively to the N-scale community.  As you have seen, our commitments are to offer better products than ever before.  Our heads our down in the development of new products.  For those who enjoy what we contribute, you have a lot to look forward to.

Best regards,

Blaine Hadfield

Vice President, Product
ExactRail 

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Hm... there is more than enough room for both BLMA and ER. Robb, take it down a notch. If you look at the photos, the wheel has a different design than yours. It appears that ER beveled the rear while the BLMA appears to be a bit more flat. Ther axle has a different profile as well.

Blaine, I did have one question. Will these be nickel plated and darkened?

[Mark5]

Actually, the real difference is that you can get the FVM and the BLMA ones in stores...

Aye, or at etailers ...

[tom mann]

Please turn this thread into a product-focused one or it'll be locked.

[pfs]

Can ER/Blaine verify what I am assuming; in the group of three 'smaller' photos on the announcement page, the center photo is N.
Also since blackened is not being produced in HO is the third photo also N?

From:

http://www.exactrail.com/exactrail-model-train-announcements

Thanks

[Scottl]

It says n scale will be available blackened or natural on that page.

[SkipGear]

http://www.exactrail.com/skin/frontend/exactrail/desktop/images/announcements-blogs/announcement-07-27-2012/wheelset-feature.jpg

vs.

http://www.blmamodels.com/images/store/9810a.jpg

vs.

http://www.amstedrail.com/Portals/0/Product%20Images/truck.jpg

I never like agree with Robbman the wheel back profile just looks wrong. If you are going take the time to make the undercut on the back, it seems making it accurate wouldn't take any more time than making it wrong.

What axle lengths will be available and how does the insulated side look? The pictures all appear to be of the non insulated wheel.

[Dave V]

Will be interesting to see how well these perform versus the FVM wheel sets.  I'm willing to give them a shot if they're at a similar price point.

More options in N scale can only be good.

[wcfn100]

I never like agree with Robbman the wheel back profile just looks wrong.

That's not you agreeing with Robb.

Jason

[SkipGear]

That's not you agreeing with Robb.

Jason

Agreed, was getting comments from various forums intertwined. They still don't look right.

[wcfn100]

They still don't look right.

Does that matter if they're prototypical?

I can tell you there were wheels that had much more 'dishing' on the backside than these.

Jason

[SkipGear]

Does that matter if they're prototypical?

I can tell you there were wheels that had much more 'dishing' on the backside than these.

Jason

If they are out therre, show me. This is the closest photo that I could find to th ER wheel.

http://www.standardsteel.com/wheels.html