Fully insulated wheelsets?

Actually, my 2-rail locomotives only draw about 0.60 - 1.50 amps, depending upon

configuration (0.60 amp for an articulated engine with one big ball-bearing Pittman and 1.50 for my ABBA F3 set with two big ball-bearing Pittmans).

I'm not sure I understand the comment about the effects on plastic wheels of being exposed to DC current in the rails. I don't think this causes oxidation deposits, which are ultimately the result of atmospheric oxygen. The problem with plastic seems to be that it develops and holds a static electrical charge that attracts dust and dirt.

I use Intermountain metal wheel sets in Athearn Delrin trucks and I almost never have a problem with dirty wheels or track. The Intermountain wheel sets are fairly heavy and have a plated surface that imitates an actual polished wheel tread. I prefer them to NWSL wheel sets for these reasons.

I agree with bob2 that we are talking about four different hobbies, all sharing 5' gauge.

Invidious comparisons don't advance anyone's enjoyment. I'd say, figure out which you like the most, then work at it and enjoy it. If you change your mind later, the market place will absorb your old equipment. (Maybe we should add 17/64 to the 5'-gauge list, and then throw in Proto-48 as well.)

You should check out Scratchbuilder's suggestion to use the Intermountain 3 rail plastic wheel sets.  They have the pizza flanges (as well as plastic couplers in the package) and are probably common.  I have at least enough to do 12 cars.  IM also makes plastic 2 rail wheelsets as well as the metal ones.  I replace the plastic 2 rail sets that come with the kits with the metal ones and so probably have 40 sets of the 2 rail plastic.

Allan

Nope - you cannot include 17/64 and Proto-48 in any discussion of five foot gauge.  Both are 4' 8 1/2" gauge.  However I might go along with including 17/64 as O gauge, thus making five categories.

Remember, there are about three of us who model in 17/64, and I do not know who the other two are.

Agreed -- 17/64 reduces what would otherwise be 5-foot gauge track to something very close to 4'-8 1/2".  I added it to the mix along with Proto-48 just for fun. Anyone out there modeling Russian lines in 1:48?

Pennsylvania trolley gauge is 5' 2.5".  It's still in use in New Orleans and Philadelphia. 

Weaver used to sell plastic trucks that were available with either three rail or two rail wheel sets.  These have plastic wheels on a metal axle.

PHil R.