Locomotive Wheel Corrosion

[railandsail]

...short note I wrote to some HO manufacturers recently

I have been experiencing some significant problems with locomotive wheel corrosion on some Broadway Ltd locomotives, one steam loco so far, and several diesels.

I have been trying to do a little investigating on what makes for the best wheel construction, and what constitutes the best materials.

I would really appreciate at the very least a short note from each of you as to your preferred construction materials for wheel-sets in HO products.

I have started several discussions on some forums, and included photos of some problem wheelsets for review:

http://www.broadway-limited2.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1452&sid=8099de4afa54b94f0cc4436a535bf039

http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=133533#post133533

[Nigel]

Best for what?

The best for traction is sintered iron, like Athearn used to use.  It has some downsides in that it corrodes and traps organics which gunk up the track.

Solid nickel-silver has excellent appearance, doesn't corrode, but is a bit slippery.

Steel has excellent appearance, corrodes like the real thing, and good traction.

Brass is inexpensive to make, corrodes, fair traction, doesn't look great (older MDC steam locomotive drivers).

What you are asking for is proprietary information, and it would be very surprising if you received any answers from the manufacturers.