Replacing wheels

[BrownCountyModelTrains]

I own a model train store and I am a dealer for Bachmann. I run 3 trains everyday on my layout, all HO, the Jingle Bell Express, Rail Chief, and McKinley Explorer. I have been running all 3 trains off and on 5 days a week for over a year and I want to replace all the wheels on the rolling stock to get nice new sharp "nibs". Should I use the 36" wheel sets item 42903 or 33" wheel sets item 42904? Thanks.

[jward]

As a general rule, 33" wheels fit freight cars and 36" wheels fit passenger cars. I know from experience the freight cars you are running, including the cabooses and the tender on your steam locomotive, will take the 33" wheels.

[Ralph S]

Good info.
...But what are the 31-inch wheels for and what do they normally fit.  Way back when I was younger, I brought these 31-inch wheels (still in their unlabeled package) to place on my train cars (they are metal wheels).  I bought them thinking they were the freight car versions along with 36-inch wheels also. 

[jward]

If I'm not mistaken those fit the old AHM/IHC/RIvarossi passenger cars.

[Len]

Jeff nailed it. To use 36" wheels on those old AHM/IHC/Reivarossi cars you have two options. Carve the brake shoes off the original plastic trucks, or completely replace the trucks with ones that accept 36" wheels.

Len

[trainman203]

Another place you could use 31" wheels is to replace wheels on cars whose couplers ride a little too high.  They won't lower the car a whole lot, but in some cases it might be enough to help.  It is a lot easier than trying to raise the coupler pocket, and cheaper than using upshot couplers that you have to buy when you already have the wheels in the house.j

[BrownCountyModelTrains]

Good advice, Thanks!