Updating Rolling Stock

[sparkyftw]

I have a BUNCH of older rolling stock, most of it Tyco. Obviously it is all hook horn coupler attached to the truck. I have read about updating them and all, but I haven't decided yet.

Is it worth the money and the work to upgrade all the stuff, or even some of the stuff? There is some nicer older cabooses that would look nice, but I don't know if I am even going to use cabooses on my layout.

How much am I looking at for new trucks with metal wheels? Is there a certain brand or type I should use? I know Kadee #5s for the couplers, and most of my motive power and new rolling stock I purchased have kadees, but still need new trucks.

So are old Tyco rolling stock worth upgrading or should I just get newer stuff that would fit the needs a little better.

 

[kwalker421]

a pair of wheelsets with metal wheels runs you at about $2 to $4 each. a pair of Kadee #5s are about $2.50 a pair


if you want, you can just buy the axles instead of the whole wheelset. you can get like a pack of 12 for about $14

 

[sparkyftw]

I will probably buy a pack of wheels. No need to replace the wheelset on the new stuff.

I don't know what I was thinking with that one.

 

[UP2CSX]

Although standard Tyco Bettendorf trucks are known for having short axle wheels and replacement metal wheels generally are too tight and don't roll well. You can give it a try and see if it works. As long as it's a decent looking car and not some weird fantasy scheme, it's generally worth converting to Kadee's and metal wheels.