O.K., I went  out to my favorite store and purchased 2 packs of metal wheels. I pack of (Code 110) 33" Smooth Back Freight Wheels #520, and 1 pack of (Code 110) 33" Ribbed Back Freight Wheels.  I was excited to swap out the plastic wheel and give my trains a run.  I replaced the wheels on 3 cars that are a part of my diesel/electric set.  I tested each car on the track just by pushing it with my hand, seems I have not done all of my homework, the cars do not roll very easily.  What must I do to correct the issue, friction?  I removed the metal wheels and put the old plastic wheel back on the cars and they roll very smoothly, what gives, Help!

The wheels purchased are Kadee Pack numbers 520 and 523 respectfully.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all who respond.

Trackman Ed

I would like to know the difference, if any between the metal and plastic wheels on the trucks.  When I purchased my Bachmann train sets almost a year ago, they came with plastic wheeled trucks.  Since my initial purchase (the sets), I have purchased several cars, they all came with metal wheels.  Is one type of wheel better than the other, I don't know.  If anyone has a comment pertaining to this subject feel free to post.  Thanks in advance to all who have good ideas/comments.  By the way I love my Bachmann trains, I am slowly landscaping my layout and have to run the trains every now and then to just to watch em roll.

O.K. metal wheels seem to be the choice to go with, that being said; should I replace the entire truck?  So I'm considering replacing the truck and wheels, I don't understand what rp25 is, someone please enlighten me, thanks.  I have six rolling stock to change out from plastic to metal, where should I go to find a good truck set with metal wheels?

I just looked at wheel sets, and just a bit of confusion set in.  How do I know if I have 36" or 33" wheels?  The more I learn the more I need to know, ha!  Having fun doing this, so I'll keep plugging away. 

Thanks to the friends that have responded to my initial question,  you guys have been very helpful.

Alright all you experienced HO scale owners, I need some ideas on how to sculpt (cut, shape, what ever you call it) 1 inch styrofoam.  I have my pond and the creek that leads to it masked out and I've begun some of the greenery nearby.  My only holdup (frustration) is turning the masked area into a water like environment.  I am using Woodland Scenic's "Realistic Water" product.  The Woodland Scenics recommends 1/8" thickness when poured.  To achieve the 1/8" I must then do something with the styrofoam. 

I have watched many hours of videos from various web sites including Woodland Scenics.  What I need is some insight on how to remove some styrofoam from my planned area to get the 1/8" depth.  I need experienced ideas, ideas that a newcomer to the hobby can use with some certainty of good results

 

I'm about to attempt the creation of a stream that leads to a pond on a farm setting.  I am not sure how deep the stream and pond have to be when using the paint that dries to resemble water.  My layout is on one inch Styrofoam.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

I have 5 turnouts in my layout.  I purchased the Bachmann large directional box (switch) for all 5.  I'm pretty well set but now one of the turnouts will only move (snap, electrically) to straight, it will not move remotely to make the turn and back to straight.  The problem appears to be the little solenoid that moves the arm.  I'm using nickel silver EZZ track.  Are there parts available to fix this issue?

Does Bachmann Trains sell the little black switch that is used to do the switching electronically.  I'm referring to EZ track turnout momentary switch.

I have echo valley and thunder chief trains, I added a 5th rolling stock to each set.  I've got my lay out pretty much set.  I am able to operate both trains at the same time, they work great.  I would like to be able to park one on a straight dead end turn out.  What is the best way to turn off the track when I park the train?  I don't want the train to sit and idle for a long time.  Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I'm really enjoying this new found hobby.  Getting a little nervous about land scaping, but I'll cross that bridge soon.  Every railroader have a great day.

I am new to the railroad business and excited to finally have a railroad of my own.  I have my benchwork pretty much complete.  I have two Bachmann locomotives, the Thunder Chief and the Echo Valley.  I did a test run and they both work fine.  Now I'm looking at switches and how to power them and do the wiring.  Can anyone point me to a wiring manual/book that will get me started in the right direction?