In O, MTH offers a choice of scale or hirail wheels with 2 different SKU's on SOME products. I think the switch just ties the insulated wheels together and the third rail pick-up needs to be removed.
I agree it would be preferable to just include scale wheels like SHS had done.
I'm sure we'll find out more as time rolls on.
Rusty
That's exactly it. I've suggested to MTH and Atlas that they package the pilots and wheels for scale and hi-rail and eliminate multiple SKU's The likely added cost would be about $20-$30, but this would be somewhat offset by inventory/production savings. Steam is an entirely different issue because of how the axles are set into the locomotives. Changing them to removable wheelsets would involve tooling modifications.
As long as there's a frame with a cover plate, like old Bowser or Mantua HO steam locomotive kits, changing wheels on steam isn't an issue. The SHS 2-8-0 and AM steam are built this way.
But... The problem arises if the customer boogers up the side rods, valve gear or loses the rod screws.
Rusty
