PRODUCT REVIEW: 1:20.3 SCALE METAL WHEELSETS
Manufacturer: Gary Raymond Metal Wheels, P.O. Box 1722-F, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358. Price: F26RL 26 scale inch diameter nickel plated metal wheelsets for 1:20.3 scale models $4.95 per axle suggested list. Shipping extra. California residents please add 7.25-percent sales tax.
ONE THING MISSING from 1:20.3 (15mm=1 foot) scale has been an accurate 26 inch diameter wheelset. Gary Raymond Metal Wheels now has rectified that. Why is it important? Because a very large number of narrow gauge railroads used 26 inch diameter freight car wheels including, among countless others, the D&RGW, Rio Grande Southern, and Colorado & Southern.
Gary Raymond patterned his wheel after full size Griffin (D&RGW) wheel drawings. It scales an exact 26 inches at the tread by 5 1/2 inches thick. And, if you want to use LGB, Bachmann, USA Trains, American Model Builders, or any other currently available sideframes on a 1:20 scale model, the larger wheel will help complete the impression.
The F26RL wheelsets come in nickel plated RAIL-GLIDETM with stainless steel axles. They feature Gary Raymond's high performance tread design, reflect the culmination of several years' research, testing, and experience, and are compatible with all large scale trackwork. His wheel face and tread design with the characteristic pronounced fillet still embody the best compromise between top performance and realistic appearance. Raymond claims his wheels outperform any others on the market, bar none. We decided against such a comprehensive test, though our experiences with his wheels have been extremely positive.
The workmanship on our samples was excellent. The treads and axle ends showed a higher degree of polish than those of most other metal wheels. That helps the wheels roll more freely by minimizing friction. The wheels displayed virtually no evidence of wobble, meaning they sit very true on their axles. That also allows them to roll more freely by minimizing friction. Each wheelset still is double-insulated so you may install it on rolling stock without regard to electrical polarity. And the wheels are almost completely free of the tiny nicks and scratches evident on some wheels we have tested. The nickel plating on our samples is smooth, even, and shows no evidence of thin spots or chips.
Gary Raymond's latest 45mm Gauge One wheelsets are a top quality, top performing product with the added advantage of excellent appearance. Since the first issue of Outdoor Railroader, we have tested none better.-RR
