Atlas GP38 edges at rails catching on rail joints

I am having a problem with my Atlas GP38 locos catching on some rail joints (Kato untrack). Not happening with any other Atlas locos or other brand locos. The lower edge of the lip next to the rail appears much closer to the rail than on other locos. Almost riding on the rails. Although my track is in good condition, not all joints are a perfectly smooth transition between track sections. As a result, anything hanging too low is catching on the edge of the rail end.
My plan is to file the end edge down a tiny bit on each loco. Will not be noticeable but I would not expect this to be needed. Anyone else experiencing this with their Atlas GP38?

 

Or you could slide very thin washers between the frame and each truck.

 

I've had that happen on a few locos with factory installed snow plows. Turn it over in a cradle. A few swipes with a jewlers file usually does the trick. Use a light touch with the file. If it needs more off put it back in the cradle and repeat.

 

Both good suggestions. I need to check and see how the washer approach will impact coupler height. I find it strange how this one loco model exhibits this problem. I have 4 and all 4 have same issue.

 

More then likely a QC problem at the China factory. Just my guess.

 

There is no way you fit a washer between the trucks and frame on a locomotive.

 

Hi, I had this issue with several Walthers GP38-2 locomotives on the front pilot and had to do what was suggested above in sanding a few strokes off the bottom of the pilot with a file. Also come to think of it, I had to do this with an Atlas GP30 too. Anyway it worked really well on all three locomotives. Important thing was the coupler height was fine, but the pilots caught on the rail connecting joints. Like you I also use Kato Unitrack.
Ralph

 

I had some Atlas GP7s I had to do this to, worked fine for me as well.

 

Glad to hear that it is a simple fix. Sounds like I need to fire up my file.

 

Check the walkway portion of the shell. It may be bowed rather than straight. If so, a quick soak in some medium hot water and some pressure while it cooled should do the trick. Had the a similar problem on my GP9's and this was the problem and the solution.

 

Smooth the rail joints?

Doug

 

Not really an option. The Unitrack joints are seldom a perfectly smooth transition. The rail clips hold pretty good but not tight enough to guarantee a perfect transition like you may get with a soldered joint. Even if it would work, I would not want to do that to hundreds of rail joints just to accommodate a few rogue locos. Much easier to file the ends of the locos.

 

I would never ever consider raising the frame on the trucks, it would look weird. Instead, use some strip styrene on the inside of the shell or on the top of the frame halves to limit how low it can go.

 

I have done what Bill said. I used electrical tape to shim nose of body up.