(9v) Nickel Electroplating Wheels.

I am just getting into the trains. I have a plastic rail set I am going to copper tape to power. I have 2 battery trains I am going to convert. To make the pick up, I was going to use the bronze bushing idea from Bevin Brick World ( Youtube: How I make my 9 Volt Power Pickup for Trains ). He gets metal wheels CNC machined to make it work. Just wondering if anyone has tried to copper/nickle plate the ABS lego axle or a 3d printed one (a fraction smaller). Wouldn't this be just as strong and...