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.
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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.
