HOW TO SILENCE STEEL WHEEL NOISE:

A simple and effective way to muffle the ringing and squealing of pressed steel
wheels on steel rail is to jam the flange well (the "well" being the concave
groove on the inside of the wheel) with automotive heater hose.

(1) Determine the circumference of your wheel at the flange well.

(2) Cut a length of 5/8" (inside diameter) heater hose just slightly longer
    than the circumference of your wheel.

(3) Fit the hose in the flange and connect it's two ends together with a
    5/8" or 3/4" garden hose mender (plastic "Green Thumb" brand available at
    any hardware store). Then compress the hose into the flange well. You don't
    need to secure it. It will naturally expand within the flange well, keeping
    it firmly seated in place.

Lee Wilhite - Plainfield (Indianapolis), IN