HO Scale Wheelsets

Tangent Scale Models offers high-quality CNC-machined wheelsets that lead the market in quality and fidelity. Our wheels have “detailed” rear faces like a prototype wheel.

The grid below shows all of our currently-available wheelset options. They are first organized by wheel diameter: 33″ or 36″ prototype options. We offer 12 packs or 100 packs. Our wheels come standard as “blackened” in appearance however we also offer “nickel-plated” for some wheel types. Details are in the grid below.

Here are some FAQs for our wheelset products:
1. What is the difference between “Normal Tread” and “Semi-Scale Wheels?” Normal tread wheels come standard with all RTR products produced today. The wheel “tread” is roughly the width of the rail that it rides. Alternatively, semi-scale wheels are used by modelers who want a more realistic appearance wheel. A semi-scale wheel tread is more narrow than a normal tread wheel, and they operate well over most modern track produced in the last 25 or so years. Try a 12-pack to upgrade the appearance of your equipment – especially those cars where the wheels are very visible, such as on covered hoppers and tank cars!

2. What wheels do your freight cars come with? Our entire line of industry-leading freight cars come with “normal tread” blackened wheelsets. We offer semi-scale wheels designed for each of them as replacements.

3. What material are your wheels made from? All of the wheels from Tangent Scale Models are CNC-machined brass wheelsets that operate flawlessly. See the grid below to see all of our currently-available wheelset offerings.

4. Are your replacement wheels insulated and do they have rear contours? The answer to both of these questions is yes.

5. What is the application for 33″ and 36″ wheel diameters on real railroad equipment? As a general rule, 33″ wheelsets were used as a standard going back to the late 1800s, and they remained a standard on cars that were 50-Ton and 70-ton capacity. 33″ wheelsets were also used on almost every caboose you would find on the rails. For cars with 100-Ton capacity, 36″ wheels are standard. An exception is passenger cars of most vintages, which rode on 36″ wheels whether in a 4 or a 6-axle truck.

6. What semi-scale wheelsets do I need to retrofit the normal tread wheels that come standard on Tangent’s cabooses? Please see SKU 127 below!

7. How do I see your current truck offerings? Click here to see our current truck offerings!

Click on the images below to see photos associated with each product offering, and you can order products from any line by clicking in the rightmost column.

Showing all 24 results

HO Scale Wheelsets

Wheel Photo
Wheel Diameter
Wheel Tread
Wheel Finish
Quantity (axles)
Axle type and length
SKU
Price
Quantity Requested
33"
Normal Tread (0.110")
Blackened
12-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$9.95

In stock

33"
Normal Tread (0.110")
Blackened
100-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$79.95

Out of stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
12-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$9.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
100-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$79.95

In stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
12-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$9.95

Out of stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
100-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$79.95

In stock

36"
Normal Tread (0.110")
Blackened
12-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$9.95

In stock

36"
Normal Tread (0.110")
Blackened
100-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$79.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
4-pack
For Tangent Caboose
$4.95

In stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

36"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
4-pack
For Tangent Caboose
$4.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
12-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$12.95

In stock

33"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
100-pack
Needlepoint 1.004"
$79.95

In stock

38"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

38"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Blackened
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock

38"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
12-pack
For Tangent rotating
$12.95

In stock

38"
Semi-Scale Tread (0.088")
Nickel Plated
100-pack
For Tangent rotating
$99.95

In stock