I recently bought a set of Micro Train low profile wheels to convert my Atlas freight cars. It seems that the axle shaft diameter is thicker and rubs the underside of the coupler pocket. Also, I found that some Atlas trucks don't hold the axles centered. The trucks just don't seem to hold the axles as well as they should. Is there something I can do to "tighten" the truck's hold on the axle? I'm going to file the axles thinner to stop the rubbing. By the way, when I compared the new axles to an old set in a MT truck, they are definitely thicker. I thought it would be cheaper to buy the wheels rather than the complete trucks, but now I'm not so sure.
Mark, you can buy Micro Trains Truck Restraining Springs part number MT1953 and you get one dozen. That might help. I also found them very good in stopping cabooses from jerking. In Canada they cost $10 a pack which is probably only about $4 in the USA.
Atlas and MT truck sideframes have different spacing. If you want to use the Atlas trucks, you need to get Atlas wheelsets. The length of the axle is longer than that of the MT wheelset so it fits properly into the pockets of the sideframes. Alternatively, North West Short Line (NWSL) makes some very nice wheelsets. NWSL makes several variations to fit different manufacturers' trucks. I have had very good luck with these, but they are more expensive. (No affiliation with NWSL.) Mike
I agree with Mike. Not all axles are the same length. Micro Trains axles are shorter by just enough so that they will not fit Atlas trucks. The newer Atlas wheelsets have a low profile flange [although larger than MT's lo pro] and good rolling quality. I don't think Atlas sells their plastic wheelsets in bulk packs like they do their metal wheels.
Intermountain makes some atlas-compatible wheelsets, metal, blackened, and the flanges are about the same as the MT lopro. Plus, they're about a fourth the cost of the NWSL wheelsets.
Speaking of wheels, in the Aug. 2002 issue of MR, on the inside front cover, Atlas is selling wheelsets to replace wheels on the MT cars- of course, it's included with the full-page ad for the N scale Code 55 track. Is this Atlas' answer to MT wheel problems on the new track? And yes, I know there's been some lively debate on this, and I'm not fanning embers or anything (honest! ). Just wonder how IM and Atlas wheelsets compare for quality and price...........
To be honest, I am a little disappointed that the wheel sets wouldn't fit properly. However, since life goes on, I have decided to stop converting any more Atlas trucks and start looking for good deals on MT truck sets (with standard wheel sets). I'll use the low profile wheels on those trucks instead! Now, everyone please check out my other post and tell me how to get these MT couplers to work. [ 18. July 2002, 12:10: Message edited by: MarkJ ]
Looks like I am a moron! I turned the packet over and read the instructions. The first note listed states as follows: Fits: Aurora and Minitrix. Use as a replacement for Micro-Trains standard profile wheel sets. For all other, it is recommended to replace existing trucks with Micro-Trains Magne-Matic trucks. Doh! No wonder they don’t fit Atlas trucks.
Mark, shake it off dude..... everyone overlooks something once in a while.... just be thankful it was only couplers, not a expensive loco or really nice piece of rolling stock with the sides mounted upside down (I actually did that once back in my drug induced HO days... no more "craftsman" type kits for moi-- I-M kits are about as much assembly I want to do!!) Some day you will look back upon this and share a good laugh with friends!!!
Nah, just human, like the rest of us... Hate when that happens! Oh well, live & learn..........no harm done, and like the last guy said, you'll laugh about it later. Hopefully your local train pusher is close enough you can straighten this out fairly quickly.
