Have an 8 car set of these that some of the wheelsets are wobbbly.(probably the axel's are warped) I plan on replacing the wheelsets with metal wheels, however, the IHC replacement wheels on the cars are 31" diameter, is the prototype diameter 36"? If so, by relacing with 36" wheels will the brake shoes on the sideframes interfere?
You can try carving the brake shoes with an xacto knife and bending them out of the way--I've done that with some Con-Cor and Rivarossi passenger car trucks, though I think they originally had 33" wheels, not 31".
They are 33" and I have had no issue with them. Replace with 33" metal wheels and install Kadee 508 conversion kits if you want kadee couplers. Both work good. I painted the side frames ATSF silver.. Remove windows and spray shell with testors dull cote. Looks and runs great. You can also get a bearing reamer to make them run smoother. Bill Jackson
I forgot, if you have some Frisco passenger car doubles let me know. I have some doubles, maybe a trade. I need interiors and several other cars. Bill Jackson macon249@yahoo.com
