Measuring HO wheel size for Athearn blue box box cars etc.

Measure the wheel tread diameter not the flange. Most Athearn BB stuff that I had came with 33" plastic wheels, I would change them out to metal wheels; more for the sound than anything else.

@PRRMP54 posted:

Measure the wheel tread diameter not the flange. Most Athearn BB stuff that I had came with 33" plastic wheels, I would change them out to metal wheels; more for the sound than anything else.

Agree with you regarding BB. When BB’s were still available, I’d swap factory for metal wheel sets. Kind of pricey though. None the less, the roll quality is better and I had far fewer derailments.

Steve

Thanks a bunch, I saw a video but couldn’t tell that they were measuring the thread vs the flange. The measurement on the thread is .376 to 378, which checks out as 33” wheels. Appreciate the help. I am sure I will have mor HO questions.

I see you've received an answer for the measurement and yes, most Athearn BB rolling stock had 33" scale wheels.

As for metal wheels: Those, in conjunction with nickle silver plated rail, will make a huge reduction in the need to clean track. Plastic wheels are notorious for collecting "black crud" and depositing it on the ball of the rail.

I am very diligently using all metal wheels on my rolling stock in conjunction with the nickle silver rail I use, and I do NOT have to clean track anywhere near as often as I used to have to back in my plastic wheel years.

Best of luck to your HO adventures and good for you for working with youth!

Andre