New Kadee Bettendorfs mounted on an Atlas X29:
These are far superior in looks than the Atlas trucks. The overall truck width is correct, unlike the Atlas trucks that stick out way too far.* Also, note the journal details, brake details, proper thickness side frames, proper thickness springs, and plank thickness. The wheel sets have a more realistic tread width and a prototypical axle diameter. Not only do they look a whole lot better, they have very good rolling resistance and equalization. The car easily rolls down a 1/2 % grade.
Compare with the bloated blobs of metal that come with the Atlas car:
Incidentally, they come apart very easily by spreading the entire brake shoe assembly and pulling it downward. I chucked the wheel sets in a drill and sanded off the coating on the tread. I would rather that stuff come off on my sanding stick than the rails on my layout
The only drawback is the cost. But for some "hero" cars, it may be worth it
*This is not a 3 rail driven thing. Atlas trucks are much wider than Lionel and MTH trucks.
