Photos of the new MT 33 and 36 inch wheels!

[tom mann]

I had the pleasure of beta-testing the new wheels from MT.  The main feature of these wheels is that they are a compromise between pizza cutters and lo-pros.  This creates a wheel that works with Atlas code 55, but is more forgiving than the existing lo-pro (I haven't had a problem with them, but I know that they elicit complaints).

Notice that the flange, in addition to being about 1/2 way between the lo-pro and the pizza cutter, is a little more more thicker and rounder than the lo-pro.  Recall that the lo-pro has been called a "razor flange" by some.

I don't want to editorialize, but I think this new wheel set will allow MT to save costs by standardizing on one wheel.  Those so inclined can change to more pricier (and lower profile) metal wheels from FVM or BLMA.

From left to right:

33" MT "mid-pro", 36" MT "mid-pro", 33" lo-pro, 33" pizza cutter

edit:  original photos removed due to out of gauge track.  See new photos here.

[RDG_Rich]

So is MT going to include this wheel for all their new releases?

I have heard and read about as many "this wheel is superior" as I can stomach. So far I haven't seen any scientific proof that one wheel performs any better than another, and it's more based on personal preference. As far as MT saving any money, I would suspect that if they stopped both the lo pro and pizza production, and went with only one wheelset, it could save some cash.

I dunno, I don't understand MT that much anyway.

[Dave V]

I got some too for testing but they appear to be all 36".  I PM'd Joe for clarification but never got a shout back.  The 36" are very nice, tho.  Would like to have some 33"s to test!

[John]

I also tested these on my code 55 .. and found that they worked well. I had no issues on turnouts, unlike the pizza cutters ..  I think these are improvements.

[tom mann]

So is MT going to include this wheel for all their new releases?

I have heard and read about as many "this wheel is superior" as I can stomach. So far I haven't seen any scientific proof that one wheel performs any better than another, and it's more based on personal preference. As far as MT saving any money, I would suspect that if they stopped both the lo pro and pizza production, and went with only one wheelset, it could save some cash.

I dunno, I don't understand MT that much anyway.

Rich, I don't know if they are going to include these or not.

This thread isn't about "this wheel is superior" stuff.  This is just a statement of fact, with some photos so folks can see for themselves.

[RDG_Rich]

Tom, I know it wasn't. I guess I was ranting preemptively.

They do look better than the standard flanges, but not as good as the low pros...If they aren't going to switch to these, I'm wondering what the point would be?

[lock4244]

Yea, those wheels are fine. But that track! Tom, it looks like you PS'ed those plastic dumbells onto a photo of proto track. Nice track!

[Nato]

   Seems like a good idea, one type of wheel to cut costs,is the 36 the one used on the new RPO Six Wheel Trucks? It is the new run of the Low Pros that are referred to as Razor Edge and they are. I was usuing plastic Low Pros from both MT and Atlas before my switch to Fox Valley on all the cars that are perminently on my layout for OP Sessions and I bought a Bulk Pack of later run MT Low Pros and the profile had changed to the Razor thin edge not found on the earlier ones, so I never used them. Anyone want a Bulk Pack? Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.

[Ian MacMillan]

They do look nice. But I'm gonna stick with my FVM wheels. Personally I'm not one to giving in on a product that works well but has earned a stigma as being "wrong" when it is not. So Atlas C55 and low pros for me!

[Two Truck Shay]

The Fox Valley Models metal wheelsets are really stunning.

[bbussey]

Tom, I know it wasn't. I guess I was ranting preemptively.

They do look better than the standard flanges, but not as good as the low pros...If they aren't going to switch to these, I'm wondering what the point would be?

I've had the privilege of testing them as well a few months ago.  These MTL wheels are superior to all current MTL wheels, both in looks and performance.  The side-to-side tolerance is much tighter, no more side-to-side sliding.  Because of this, they noticeably roll better than all current MTL wheels.  It is my understanding that this new design will be the wheels utilized going forward.

[altohorn25]

Over the last year, I've switched all my MT low profile wheels to FVM metals ones.  I really like the added weight as it makes the center of gravity lower.  Plus, the metal wheels keep the track MUCH cleaner.  No static charge build up between the metal rails and the plastic wheels to attract road gunk.

I run on both code 80 and code 55 and the only problem I've had is with Peco code 80 curved turnouts.  The wheel tread is so slim, it will sometimes fall into the frog.  Other than that, they've been great.

Highly recommended. ;D

Nate Pierce

[Bob Bufkin]

They look a lot better than what they have been using.  As for FVM.  I've converted several cars to these.  Last night I placed them on a Bowser PRR hopper and a strange thing happened.  I got a flashing green light on my MRC DCC controller and I heard a low humming sound (sounded like an engine noise).  Looked around and discovered sparks coming off the hopper with these wheels.  Any idea what caused this?

[wm3798]

Sounds like a bum insulator.

Those new wheels look miles ahead of the pizza cutters.  If this becomes the new MT standard, I think they may be back in the hunt.

Now if we could just get them to think about doing hoppers in more than one road number per generation...
(sweeping overstatement...)

Lee

[Mark5]

Tom, I know it wasn't. I guess I was ranting preemptively.

They do look better than the standard flanges, but not as good as the low pros...If they aren't going to switch to these, I'm wondering what the point would be?

I've had the privilege of testing them as well a few months ago.  These MTL wheels are superior to all current MTL wheels, both in looks and performance.  The side-to-side tolerance is much tighter, no more side-to-side sliding.  Because of this, they noticeably roll better than all current MTL wheels.  It is my understanding that this new design will be the wheels utilized going forward.

This is fantastic news, especially if the last sentence becomes reality. I take it the flange size is closer to the current Atlas wheelsets.

Mark