Atlas 3 rail conversion question

It's usually pretty simple. Just a matter of removing the 3-rail trucks if they're the newer roller bearing type and installing the new Atlas scale couplers and 2-rail replacement trucks. Some cars have a plastic coupler mount on the end which has to be fabricated or purchased from their parts department.

 

Putting Kadees on is a bit more work as the mounting holes don't match and you'll need shims since the Kadee box isn't as thick as the Atlas.

I'm passing along what I've been told by Beth at the Public Delivery Track. She said some Atlas cars are no more difficult than removing the screw that holds the 3 rail trucks & coupler to the car,while others are more difficult. Kadee or similar couplers can then be mounted to the car body using the mounting pads provided on most freight cars.I've only been in O Scale less than 1 year so my knowledge is limited & my finances are even in worse shape.Al Hummel


On Sunday, December 21, 2014 10:52 AM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:


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| Subject: Atlas 3 rail conversion question By: car8534 In: Train Forums / 2-Rail SCALE | |

Question, how hard is it to convert an Atlas master line 3 rail car to 2 rail? Ken    View This Topic
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Thanks for the answers.

I found a couple of cars that I want, but they are 3R. I only have a few Atlas 2 rail cars, it did not look like it would be that hard to convert, but I would rather ask first to make sure.

 

Ken 

I have converted a bunch of them.   I consider it easy.   I have some 2 rail wheelsets in my parts bin, so I usually take the trucks apart and swap the wheelsets.    It is easier if you  just change trucks.

 

On some of the 3 rial trucks, if you are going to use them in 2 rail, you have to cut off the bracket that the 3 rail coupler is mounted to or it will hit the Kadee box if you install Kadees'.

 

You can use the Atlas couplers and boxes if you like them.    their 2 rail ones would mount directly.   I have Kadees on everything else. so I change them.    They couple OK with Kadees for just running, but do not uncouple easily for switching.   I standardize on Kadees.   

 

One way to install Kadees is to hold the box and cover in a vise and elongate the rear mounting hole using a #43 drill (clearance drill for 2-56 screws).   Do this by putting the drill bit in a good drill motor and using it like a router to grind away material from the front of the mounting hole on both the box and lid at the same time.

 

Then you can use the same mounting holes on the car and use 2.5x8 mm metric screws to mount the coupler box.    As mentioned above, some cars require shims or pads, especially the earlier built boxcars.