| Wheels and Casters |
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This section will cover the types of wheels and caster I use.
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I like to use 6 inch lawnmower wheels for my engine and cars. The first two years I used the plastic rimed
ones that did not have bearings. These were ok but required me to grease the axle and I felt like they where
causing too much friction. I changed them all out to the metal rimed ones with bearings and they have been great.
They cost a little more upfront but they roll smooth and require no maintenance.
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These are what go under the train to keep it on the track. They are 1.5 inch rigid casters with no bearings.
If you can find small wheels like this with bearings then I would suggest using them. I have been running
the non-bearing ones for 10 years and they require a little maintenance each week during the season. To keep
them from rattling I have to add a shot of WD-40 to each caster. Currently that is 40 casters (4 per axle) so
it takes some time.
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These casters do not actually press against the rails all the time. Instead the train just floats down the track
and the casters bump the sides when needed. You can see there is a little bit of space between the wheel and the
inside of the rails in the picture to the right. There is a delicate balance here with this gap. If it is too big
the wheels can wobble down the track and if too small the train may bind up or make the motors work too hard.
This is another reason to make your track as consistent as possible so this small gap can be maintained around
the entire track.
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This drawing shows how the casters should be aligned with the wheels. The center of the casters should be inline
with the edge of the wheel. This alignment does not have to be exact but I have found this relationship keeps the
wheel stable while going down the track.
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