I downloaded Microtrains conversion chart in the hopes of finding what trucks I need to replace old Atlas w/ Rapido coupler trucks. They came on a 2004 release 2-bay Centerflow I bought at a show 2 weeks ago. The Atlas site says it should've come with Accumates, but no such luck, it has Rapidos. http://www.atlasrr.com/NFreight/n2bay.htm This is the first time I've found the need to start modifying car couplers or trucks, so any help would be appreciated.
Hi The conversion chart is largely for locos and passenger cars, luckily, you can wait until Rosetta Stone puts out a DVD, you don't need it now. Most freight rolling stock, including every Atlas piece I've seen, can be converted with any MTL freight truck. Check out your LHS or favorite etailer. You can get 4 or 5 different styles, black or brown, with or without couplers,1 pair and 10 pair packs. They all work the same. They all have Atlas Bolster pins to attach the trucks. Pick your style and you are in. I go with Bettendorfs, on most everything, because, unless I'm 2 feet from the track, I can't see the difference anyway. Forum rules say, I can't point you to a website, but search "micro train lines bettendorf trucks", you will find the sites you need
Unless you have a reason not to go with the Atlas trucks and coupler simply go to the Atlas parts site and order the correct truck for it. Check the data printed on the car for the loaded weight. If at 140,000 lbs or less go with the 70 ton truck with accumate coupler if over go with the 100 ton truck with coupler. A set of trucks run at about $10 and Atlas usually will have your stuff in the mail at your door in about a week. In fact using your same link I clicked on the parts list for that car and it shows the 100 ton roller bearing truck with both rapido and accumate part numbers displayed. So if you are going with Microtrains then you will need the 100 ton roller bearing with coupler truck which come in a set of two.
Thanks Marty and John, I didn't even think to look at Atlas' parts site, ha. Looks like they're out of stock, but atleast I know what I'm looking for now. I kinda figured they would be 100 ton roller bearings. I think MTL's multiple shank lengths is what was confusing me since they're all designated by a bunch of numbers and the chart is almost entirely numbers!
It's been a long while since I had to check, but doesn't the MT chart also include photos of sorts, of the various trucks/couplers? So all you need to do, is match the stock truck to the proper replacement? That's how I do it, whether a single car, or a small fleet of cars! As stated, it's been a long while. My collection is converted, so I don'yt have to change trucks, except for the occasional broken coupler. Just my thoughts, based on prior personal experiences. Take it for what it's worth, which ain't much.
While we are on this topic, what couplers, would be used for a car like an Auto-Rack Carrier from Red Caboose. I have about 8 or 9 that still have a rapido and I will be re-fitting them. I am assuming a longer shank is needed, but Am hoping to hear from someone who has done it.
Almost all my stock has been changed from whatever was on it when it arrived to something from MT. The freight cars all have MT 1030, that I buy in packs of 10. Regards, Pete Davies
We are getting closer to the answer I feel...so if you auto rack came with a rapids what would be the correct Mtl coupler to purchase. Does anyone know?
You're not closer and I apologize My car is an Autotrain and what I thought was a body mount, is actually a unique truck, I can't find a number for.
