Hello I've several Bachmann freight cars with rapido couplers, and was thinking to upgrade to better couplers (knuckle type): Should I go with something like this and re-use existing wheels: https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Ind...b4c48&pd_rd_wg=0BSRm&pd_rd_i=B004NHA37Q&psc=1 or go with Micro Train trucks, such as the MTL 003-10-042 (MTL 1037) - more expensive, but comes with wheels: https://www.micro-trains.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=397 Is medium shank a good compromise? Thanks
I would go with MT. After over 50 years it is still pretty much the standard. Short shank is good for most cars unless you have very sharp curves, Doug
I would go with MT. I got one pair of the Bachmann and then saw how oversized it was and never used it.
Make sure that the mounting hole on the Bachmann cars is compatible with the Micro-Trains trucks. This is particularly true if the Bachmann trucks screw in. If I recall correctly, I could not directly change out the trucks on a car I was trying to repair for a young modeler.
I just replaced the trucks on some Bachmann covered hoppers with screw on trucks. Used MT short shank trucks but has to use a round needle file to make the hole a little bigger. Just file a little and try til it fits. We'll worth it.
The MT-1000 trucks are the Bettendorf with short shank couplers. There are other types too. The MT site will show all of them. Doug
It kind of depends on what era you're modeling. The Bettendorf trucks, or others like them, were pretty standard for many years until heavier cars began to be used on American railroads. I am not all that up on when this happened, although it was a gradual thing when heavier trucks with roller bearings were required and friction bearing trucks were outlawed. It takes research as to what should be on what car. Doug
It depends on the car type. It's really just a detail variation though, it's not like mounting points or other technical stuff is different. Bettendorf are a bit of a catch-all for mid-century and postwar cars. Micro-Trains also has Andrews trucks, and if you model early 1900's, Archbar too. They have a few other specialized trucks like the National N-1 or Allied truck, but you probably don't need to bother with those if you just want something 'good enough.' New cars built after 1966 were required to have roller bearing trucks. There are two main types, 70 ton (33" wheels) and 100 ton (36" wheels). Check the car data stencil to see which ones you need. Boxcars are generally 70 ton, while covered hoppers are mostly 100 ton. Modern open hoppers are 100 ton, but there are lots of older designs that are 70 ton cars. The older solid bearing trucks generally went away by the 80's, as new car types quickly took over from the older postwar cars. I think they were technically allowed in interchange until 91, but I can't imagine many cars still had them by then. They were probably only on weird specialized cars like heavy-duty flatcars or steel mill cars.
This is some of the cars I want to upgrade: And I also have some Roundhouse "Burlington" box cars.......the trucks are attached with pins, not screws
As I stated 1128, 1129, 1130 < yes if one has Time and Patience. Otherwise I would use either MT Bettendorf , Coil Elliptic trucks . Then it Depends on what ERA one is modeling . Tom
May I suggest using MT Bettendorf, Coil Eleptic Trucks. You may , may not need to adjust the Swivel Pin opening on the MT Trucks . Tom
You also can use 1133s. Those allow you to use the existing trucks. The kits come with a new pocket as well as the coupler. It snaps right onto the Bachpersonn truck. It is not difficult to work with those things. What you need are a pair of small to medium size needlenose pliers and a magnifying lamp. Further, buy the MT coupler tweezers. The last makes this conversion VERY easy. You use the needlnose pliers GENTLY to pinch in the existing coupler pocket and remove it. Do take care not to damage the slots on the coupler tongue. You then follow the directions in the kit to the letter. You might need the needlenoses to get the new assembly back onto the truck on specific cars. I have done more than few of these. It really is not that difficult. It requires mostly patience and care. Take your time, do it correctly and make sure that the new coupler pocket is securely on the tongue on the Bachmann truck.
hoping it's not a stupid question, but..........do the Bettendorf 1000-10 or Roller bearing 1030-10 come with the wheels?
