Chuck,
Were  the rollers that you used actually ball bearing rollers or the non ball bearing rollers that I am questioning?

Well then,
Now I've been informed that the stationary rollers without (w/o) ball bearings do not rotate at all. 
Why then are they called rollers.  Has there been a misunderstanding with the replies that I have received?

Confused...

Thanks to all on the ball vs. non ball stationary rollers.  I have the answers that I needed.
Dale

So you concur that a ball bearing set isn't really necessary just to run an engine for short periods?

thanks for the reply.
Dale

Are the stationary rollers, w/o ball bearings, good enough for short usage such as for painting wheel rims on a locomotive?
Both ball and non ball bearing sets roll and are conductive with the track so why are they sold for "non drive wheels"?
It would seem possible to apply lubricant to the non-ball rollers, if necessary, as well.