After receiving my order of a few BLMA 100 Ton Trucks I decided to try them out on one of my Intermountain Bathtub Coal Gondolas that I have a double of. After taking off the MT trucks I had to cut off a few tabs (quick and dirty) on the bottom of the car (I guess that is used as filler because of the high ride height) so that the BLMA tucks would sit properly, see picture IM BCG BLMA tabs.jpg, and they went on with no fuss. Then I put together a MT 1019 coupler, same as used on the RC Auto Racks, cut off the long end but found out that the coupler box is too big to fit between the end platform and wheel axle. I think I’ll try a Z-scale coupler (suggestions anyone?) for this to see how it works out. I am very pleased with the BLMA Trucks, they lowered the car quite considerably to a more prototypical ride height and look great (see picture IM BCG BLMA height.jpg / left is standard right is modified).
Whoa! That is an amazing transformation! Those trucks look great! I can't wait until my LHS finally gets some in stock.
I'm working on my second car with the BLMA trucks. There's simply no going back. The difference is HUGE. Great looking car!
The BLMA's are awesome trucks. The only "problem" is the ride height correction is TOO good. Tried them on a red caboose center beam and they are banging on all kinds of frame notches and one some low hanging sideframe tiedowns and will not turn as a result. Still working on that one but now I'm gonna see about putting a set on a MT 100 ton coal hopper...
The 2 cars I've done are both FVM 5347 Boxcars. The only modification I had to make was to file the bottom edge of the painted part of the car flush with the bottom black part. On 1 I used a 1015 and didn't need a shim. On the other I used a 1023 and had to file the back side of the coupler pocket and file the bolster part flat so the mounting holes would match up. I thought the 1023 would allow more pivot movement for the truck but both seem the same. The screw on the 1015 seems a little closer to the axle though, but it doesn't hit...so maybe the 1023 is safer in that regard. However I find the 1015 to be much easier, although neither is difficult. I tried taking pictures but my camera is lousy.
It looks a lot better. Are the BLMA trucks 36 inch wheels? They appear a larger diameter but the car definitely rides lower.
Looking great guys! Thanks for the support! Quick note that our future truck productions will include plastic washers to increase the ride height where needed. Flash: The 100-Ton Trucks feature 36" Metal Wheels with a proper front AND backside profile. The flange depth is minimal; however, conforms to all NMRA standards and holds a prototypical appearance.
I may have to pick up a pair or two of these for test purposes. I have been playing with MDC boxcars and the space for body mounting couplers is very small. But these inexpensive cars are looking fantastic with BLMA trucks underneath.. Shawn
I have been doing some experimenting with a MT 36' steel caboose. The caboose is MP-TP, Looking at photos this car is an exact fit for the MP. The biggest thing I noticed was the couplers needed to be extended. The 905 needed to be sticking out about half its length, so I took some pieces off of a sprue to a GMM wellcar detail set (Glad it didn't get thrown away) and VERY carefully CA'd them to the coulper, and caboose underbody. They stick out the appropriate length and I plan on soldering together a coupler box to cover the obvious look to the MT and give the caboose a more prototypical appearance.
Craig, this is great news! I love the ride height your trucks afford, but sometimes cars just can't handle it. Great innovations you're doing in N scale. Shawn
We need a whole new range of cars to take advantage of these trucks. Hint, hint.:tb-biggrin: I hope other manufacturers are watching and realising N scale freight cars don't have to be made the same way they were in the 1960's.
Just remembered that I have a few MT#1021 couplers and thought I would try them out. The draft gear box seems to fit between the end platform and wheel axle but the coupler is too low. Anybody know if there is a under-slung coupler (like the 1019) with a 1021 draft gear box? I just ordered a few MT Z-scale # 905 couplers (Thanks MRL), just have to wait until they come in. Who knows, depending on the size of the Z-scale draft gear box I could even go a little lower: Photographer : William Henderson / Picture found at : http://freight.railfan.ca
Looks great, a much nicer ride height. A tip on MTL905's make sure the coupler lines up in the middle of the MTL coupler height gauge.
