FVM Wheel Issue

[BCR751]

I recently purchased a 100pc. bag of FVM 36" metal wheels.  Today, planning to re-wheel some cars, I dumped them into a tray and noticed a number of them had wheels that had come off the axle.  I tried putting them back on but I couldn't get them to stay on.  Is there a trick to doing this or are they FUBAR?

Doug

[jagged ben]

I think they're fubar.  I've had several of those as well, been meaning to send them in and ask for replacements, just haven't gotten 'rountoit.

[jpwisc]

I’ve had a couple that popped off. Most press back on beautifully. If I get one that refuses to stay on I put the smallest dab of CA on it and check the gauge before it dries. I don’t even know which axles it was anymore, they’ve been working fine ever since.

[mu26aeh]

I’ve had a couple that popped off. Most press back on beautifully. If I get one that refuses to stay on I put the smallest dab of CA on it and check the gauge before it dries. I don’t even know which axles it was anymore, they’ve been working fine ever since.

I bought a bag at Altoona 2 years ago, had quite a few that were off.  I had similar experience putting them back on, no problems.  I have a feeling the bag had been handled many times going from show to show, getting picked up, put down, packed and unpacked.

[CR4100]

I've had a few that were loose or wobbly also.  Fortunately, I was able to carefully get the wheel back onto the plastic insulator without making them out of gauge.  I think the real problem is the packaging. I've never received a wobbly wheel from Rapido. The cardboard box they come in takes all the abuse, not the contents, no matter how poorly they are handled in transit.

[bobdobbs]

Yes the failure rate is about 2% for me I have purchased about 600 sets so far and I just write an email and send them back FVM is very chill on replacing them.

[BCR751]

Well, I tried to put the wheels back on the axles.  I got them on ok but never did I get them straight.  They always had a wobble.  I also found some in the bag with both wheels attached but one has a wobble.  Tried straightening them out and the one with the plastic insulator fell off. 

And, I don't care if FVM has a "chill" about replacing them.  They should either package them differently or step up their quality control.  They are selling them, they should stand behind them.  Either way, they're going to get these back with a note asking for replacements.

Doug

[Peter Amling]

Related: Does anyone sell a jig or gauge for wheels? I’m about to start a major metal wheel upgrade cycle and want to ensure everything is free rolling.

[rrjim1]

I sent some FVM wheelsets back, took several months and emails but I finally received more back than I sent in.  I don't bother sending them back any more I just make a new bushing out of Delrin.   

[BCR751]

It would be nice if there were a jig that would allow the wheels to be pushed back on to the bushing while keeping the straight.  If I were a machinist and had the right equipment, I would try to make one.

Doug

[bobdobbs]

Well, I tried to put the wheels back on the axles.  I got them on ok but never did I get them straight.  They always had a wobble.  I also found some in the bag with both wheels attached but one has a wobble.  Tried straightening them out and the one with the plastic insulator fell off. 

And, I don't care if FVM has a "chill" about replacing them.  They should either package them differently or step up their quality control.  They are selling them, they should stand behind them.  Either way, they're going to get these back with a note asking for replacements.

Doug

Actually in the common vernacular "chill" means FVM is "cool", or "accepting" about returns and replacements.  I would suggest you chill and back off of me, I was just trying to help.  Also read a post completely before you start making smarmy comments.  It's just toy trains.

[DeltaBravo]

I simply sent FVM an email and told Matt about some wheels being off, he sent replacements, no problem.  For a small company he has always been very good about responding and making sure the customer is happy.

[peteski]

Related: Does anyone sell a jig or gauge for wheels? I’m about to start a major metal wheel upgrade cycle and want to ensure everything is free rolling.

Are you talking specifically FVM wheels or in general?

FVM wheelsets' axles have larger diameter between the wheels and smaller diameter on which the wheels are installed. So the wheels are simply pressed against the shoulder of the larger diameter part of the axle. They cannot become narrow in gauge - their design prevent prevents that from occurring.  I suppose they could go wide in gauge, but the all you have to do is press them inwards until thy rest against the larger diameter part of the axle.  No wheel gauge or jig is needed.

As for other multi-piece wheelsets, you can get the MTL or NMRA gauges and use them to check and properly gauge those wheels.  I don't know of any jigs. If you had hundreds of wheesets from a single manufacturer to re-rauge, you could likely make a simple jig which would fit between the wheel backs.

[Peter Amling]

Are you talking specifically FVM wheels or in general?

FVM wheelsets' axles have larger diameter between the wheels and smaller diameter on which the wheels are installed. So the wheels are simply pressed against the shoulder of the larger diameter part of the axle. They cannot become narrow in gauge - their design prevent prevents that from occurring.  I suppose they could go wide in gauge, but the all you have to do is press them inwards until thy rest against the larger diameter part of the axle.  No wheel gauge or jig is needed.

As for other multi-piece wheelsets, you can get the MTL or NMRA gauges and use them to check and properly gauge those wheels.  I don't know of any jigs. If you had hundreds of wheesets from a single manufacturer to re-rauge, you could likely make a simple jig which would fit between the wheel backs.

Thanks. I was talking about FVM wheels specifically. That's great that they can't become too narrow. I was concerned about that and fixing any wobbles. Can't wait for them to come back into stock in a couple months.

[WBRRVP]

For those looking for adjusting a few wheel sets, I've used the NWSL Puller for years for HO and N wheel sets. Link to MTS is because the pictures on NWSL page are poor.

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/nwsl-45-4-the-puller/

Jerry