Anyone heard anything further about the availability of the Kadee O Scale trucks and the versions they are offering? Seems like there are going to be multiple offerings.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I talked to Kadee at the Big E. They said the trucks would be out “sometime this year”. I was a little disappointed to hear that there are not sprung. I forget the reason why they are not making them sprung. They do look very nice. I will definitely buy a pair to try them when they come out.
That's good news
If they are equalized, that is better than springs that are just for show. some trucks are sprung, but also screwed together so they are rigid. There is no equalization.
Athearn made/makes sprung trucks that are also equalized. weaver made trucks with plastic side frames that were not sprung, but were equalized. Both of these track very well. The equalization allows them to adjust for rough track or bumps.
So my opinion is that springs are not the key feature to make a good tracking truck.
I bought a pair of their G scale ones to check out and they roll and track very well.
The problem is that sprung trucks require a very heavy car so the springs will actually work. Equalized trucks tend to track better overall because they drop into the dips and step over the rises at track joints, etc. I've removed the upper part of the cross brace on Atlas trucks to allow them to equalize a bit.
The Athearn trucks seem to have soft springs and are equalized. I just wish they still had roller bearing versions available.
While we're on the subject, has anyone converted MTH cabooses with Atlas roller bearing caboose trucks?
I will try a pair if they are competitively priced.
Thanks guys for the additional insights. let's hope they are competitively priced, which looking at their other truck offerings in other scales, they should be.
@mwb posted:Athearn discontinued those Symington roller bearing trucks?
I rarely pay attention to those since I'm always chasing after Archbars,
Per the Athearn website, both Archbar and Bettendorf trucks (O scale) are currently in stock through Horizon Distributors (Athearn/Roundhouse owners). They also list Andrews trucks, meaning they can be backordered. But, no...Symington RB's not listed.
I use their O scale trucks occasionally...especially the Archbar. I'll replace the plastic wheels sets, though, with Intermountain 33" metal, for which I'll usually have to ream the sideframe bearing pockets a bit deeper using the Micro-Mark tool. When I use the last set of Athearn trucks, I place another order with our LHS for another couple pairs. Backorders have always come through, but it can take a few weeks/months before they run them again if out of stock.
Until I saw this thread I did not know that Kadee FINALLY succumbed to the groveling and will make O scale trucks. Looking forward to that!!
KD
I liked there trucks when I was in HO, so I hope there O scale ones are just as good.
dkdkrd,
I just checked the Athearn web site and can not find any listing for O gauge trucks. All is see is HO and N gauge. Where did you find Athearn O gauge trucks on their web site? Even check the Horizon web site.
RAY
@dkdkrd posted:Per the Athearn website, both Archbar and Bettendorf trucks (O scale) are currently in stock through Horizon Distributors (Athearn/Roundhouse owners). They also list Andrews trucks, meaning they can be backordered. But, no...Symington RB's not listed.
Interesting given that their market is shfting to more Symington RB use...
I was more concerned that the Archbars would be discontinued!
I use their O scale trucks occasionally...especially the Archbar. I'll replace the plastic wheels sets, though, with Intermountain 33" metal, for which I'll usually have to ream the sideframe bearing pockets a bit deeper using the Micro-Mark tool. When I use the last set of Athearn trucks, I place another order with our LHS for another couple pairs. Backorders have always come through, but it can take a few weeks/months before they run them again if out of stock.
I also replace the plastic wheelsets with IM wheelsets, but I've never had to ream out the bearing pockets.
@mwb posted: ...snip... I also replace the plastic wheelsets with IM wheelsets, but I've never had to ream out the bearing pockets.
You beat me to posting that, I NEVER had to, either. The same with Weaver trucks.
Unless the KDs are T Sections, I don't need any.
Kadee will offer the 70 ton, as well as the 100 ton roller bearing trucks like their HO counterparts. I am nott to happy to hear about them not being sprung, however,,,,,,, Seems like a poor decision on their part, but maybe Kadee has a reason I don't know about..... Price point will be higher than that of the Atlas trucks I've been told. Now that's not gospel, just info. I gleaned at Trainfest last year. Their G scale trucks are $59.95 list, so doing the math, put the O scale trucks at about a $40 plus price point. Just my input.....
Their G scale trucks are $59.95 list, so doing the math, put the O scale trucks at about a $40 plus price point. Just my input.....
At that price point, you might as well buy brass trucks from Bill Davis, 
@R Nelson posted:Kadee will offer the 70 ton, as well as the 100 ton roller bearing trucks like their HO counterparts. I am nott to happy to hear about them not being sprung, however,,,,,,, Seems like a poor decision on their part, but maybe Kadee has a reason I don't know about..... Price point will be higher than that of the Atlas trucks I've been told. Now that's not gospel, just info. I gleaned at Trainfest last year. Their G scale trucks are $59.95 list, so doing the math, put the O scale trucks at about a $40 plus price point. Just my input.....
Unfortunately sprung trucks roll poorly and most model truck springs look like ball point pen springs not like real RR car truck springs.
If Kadee is making the trucks in the USA like (most/all?) of their other products the price may actually be worth it. And their HO trucks have full details like brake beams and brake shoes. And hopefully casting details on the sideframes like the real ones have.
All depends on the looks or the performance or both.
Rule 292, I do agree with your comments on the upcoming Kadee trucks.......I will be curious to see their look and performance. Now I do have many cars with sprung trucks from Jerry Snow (old Accurate O Scale), that roll absolutely beautifully. Some of the old Overland, and PRB trucks, well not so great! It will be interesting to se just what price point these will bring. Do not know if I will get any. And yes, the springs never seem to be stiff enough, I DO agree with that comment. Martin......regarding your comment, unfortunately Bill Davis is out of stock of most of his trucks and I forgot to ask if he plans on re-stocking these.
Forgive me for being clueless, What is the website for these Bill Davis trucks?
Thanks
@Greg Amer Bill Davis' online store can be foud at American Scale Models.
Scott
I was just checking their website. I could not find anything about the O scale trucks but here is a picture of their flyer that was on the Kadee table at the Big E.
Attachments
Images (1)
@Ray of sunshine posted:dkdkrd,
I just checked the Athearn web site and can not find any listing for O gauge trucks. All is see is HO and N gauge. Where did you find Athearn O gauge trucks on their web site? Even check the Horizon web site.
RAY
Ray...
On their website, click on the search icon...the 'magnifying glass'...over on the right hand side.
On the next screen type in the truck type you're searching for...i.e., Andrews, Archbar, Bettendorf, Symington, etc.
The Archbar and Bettendorf O scale trucks pop up orderable. The Andrews O scale trucks have a selection request for notification when next available...which means they WILL run them, but be patient.
I have our LHS order/backorder them through Horizon Distributors. Always enjoy a spontaneous excuse to go to the LHS when orders arrive!
KD
@Hudson J1e posted:I was just checking their website. I could not find anything about the O scale trucks but here is a picture of their flyer that was on the Kadee table at the Big E.
...
Very interesting to see what's in development. I like the "forgiving" wheel sets in the works. I see some of their trucks in my future.
The trucks I have trucks I have found to be the best are the ones offered by Protocraft. They roll quite freely and are accurately detailed. They used to offer 100t roller bearing trucks that were outstanding! I wish they would reorder but they say no. Several years ago I got some excellent ones from Roger Lewis that were top of the line also. I wish I could get lots more. Right now I get trucks from Bill Davis and Protocraft.
@harley rider posted:I liked there trucks when I was in HO, so I hope there O scale ones are just as good.
Have used Kadee in all scales...and they have always been "good" regardless of scale/size. I'm guessing these will be equally good. Can't wait! 
Mark in Oregon (home of Kadee and Micro Trains)
Martin, yes Bills' other freight car trucks are in stock. I was commenting on his 100 ton, and the 70 ton roller bearing trucks. I do see that I posted that most of hs trucks were out of stock, my error! I guess I should have explained that better in my post. I did check his site, and the modern r b trucks are not listed.
Here is the a clip from Kadee's March 15th newsletter found here: https://www.kadee.com/media/documents/mar23.pdf
"I am happy to report that the Amherst train show was hopping at the Kadee® booth this year. I was able to get out of the booth a few times to take a quick look around but for the most part it was nonstop interaction with customers. Answering product questions, coupler conversion questions, and talking to individuals about the new O-Scale trucks that we will be releasing after they have been thoroughly tested. We have sent some samples out to some individuals and clubs for testing on different layouts. We still need to do some inhouse testing for ourselves before we release them. I would like to personally say thank you to all of the individuals that we have talked to about this project and a special thank you for all of those individuals and clubs that have been testing the O-Scale trucks on their layouts."
I'm looking forward to seeing Kadee's efforts. My struggle has been finding the correct (or nearly correct..) truck that looks good AND functions well with an economical price point and sustainable availability. Kadee's track record as a manufacturer in HO and G scale is an encouraging foundation!
@nikkormat posted:The trucks I have trucks I have found to be the best are the ones offered by Protocraft. They roll quite freely and are accurately detailed. They used to offer 100t roller bearing trucks that were outstanding! I wish they would reorder but they say no. Several years ago I got some excellent ones from Roger Lewis that were top of the line also. I wish I could get lots more. Right now I get trucks from Bill Davis and Protocraft.
I was on a Zoom call this past weekend where Norm Buckhart of Protocraft was the guest speaker and he was asked about the availability of the 100 Ton RB trucks. He said that he "begrudgedly" has another run coming (should be here in a few months, if not sooner). Modern is not his thing, hence the begrudgedly part. HOWEVER! I am not sure if this new run will include both P48 and O5W versions or just P48. Also, Norm stated that getting things made in South Korea is getting quite expensive so there will be a price increase (no prices given), e.g. don't be surprised if they jump up to $80 or $90 per pair. That being said, I would say that this will most definitely be the very last batch (at least from Norm anyways) of these 100T Rolling Bearing trucks, so if you really want them (depending if they have your gauge P48 or O5W) then get that check writing hand all limbered up...
Scott
@R Nelson posted:Martin, yes Bills' other freight car trucks are in stock. I was commenting on his 100 ton, and the 70 ton roller bearing trucks. I do see that I posted that most of hs trucks were out of stock, my error! I guess I should have explained that better in my post. I did check his site, and the modern r b trucks are not listed.
Nonetheless, to his credit Bill's got probably the largest selection of O scale trucks of any source.
Fortunately, I'm not caring much about (well, any...) roller bearing trucks......except for that experiment archbar version.... I'd like to stumble across some more Fox trucks and other earlier prototype trucks, while I liquidate whatever I have in the way of Bettandorfs and "others" Sat. at the Harrisburg meet. Probably just end up getting stuff 3D printed.
@R Nelson posted:Rule 292, I do agree with your comments on the upcoming Kadee trucks.......I will be curious to see their look and performance. Now I do have many cars with sprung trucks from Jerry Snow (old Accurate O Scale), that roll absolutely beautifully. Some of the old Overland, and PRB trucks, well not so great! It will be interesting to se just what price point these will bring. Do not know if I will get any. And yes, the springs never seem to be stiff enough, I DO agree with that comment. Martin......regarding your comment, unfortunately Bill Davis is out of stock of most of his trucks and I forgot to ask if he plans on re-stocking these.
I've seen three references to Bill Davis. Does he have a website?
@AGHRMatt posted:I've seen three references to Bill Davis. Does he have a website?
Yes. Try American Scale Models, as listed farther back up this thread.
@Hot Water posted:Yes. Try American Scale Models, as listed farther back up this thread.
Thanks. He has some nice items listed.
@Scott Kay posted:I was on a Zoom call this past weekend where Norm Buckhart of Protocraft was the guest speaker and he was asked about the availability of the 100 Ton RB trucks. He said that he "begrudgedly" has another run coming (should be here in a few months, if not sooner). Modern is not his thing, hence the begrudgedly part. HOWEVER! I am not sure if this new run will include both P48 and O5W versions or just P48. Also, Norm stated that getting things made in South Korea is getting quite expensive so there will be a price increase (no prices given), e.g. don't be surprised if they jump up to $80 or $90 per pair. That being said, I would say that this will most definitely be the very last batch (at least from Norm anyways) of these 100T Rolling Bearing trucks, so if you really want them (depending if they have your gauge P48 or O5W) then get that check writing hand all limbered up...
Scott
Per an e-mail I got from him this morning they will be ONLY p48 (I wanted a dozen set of the std. O scale and told him but I guess that is not enough to change his mind about it. Maybe he needs a flood of requests for them).
Can't see it mentioned anywhere - will the Kadee Roller Bearing trucks have rotating bearing caps? Much of my stock is Atlas, and other makes' moulded bearing cap trucks look a bit odd next to them, like the axles have frozen & the car needs a bad order...!!!
Unfortunately Atlas trucks do not easily replace the likes of Weaver trucks due to the Atlas bolster design.
The Kadee roller bearing trucks shown at the Springfield, MA show had rotating bearing caps. They will have NMRA standard bolsters like Weaver, All Nation and many other standard O Scale trucks.
j2, that is great to hear! It will be nice to finally have a drop-in solution for weaver rolling stock that upgrades them to the rotating bearing caps!
@bigboy25 posted:j2, that is great to hear! It will be nice to finally have a drop-in solution for weaver rolling stock that upgrades them to the rotating bearing caps!
Yes, good news indeed!!! Must start saving - and finding a way to get them in the UK...
