prrjim posted:That is not a spacer. If you look closely you can see the center "tube" from the lower bolster piece sticks up level with that cross piece.
That cross member makes the truck more rigid and stiff. Also I think on some atlas cars have "nubbins" on one end on the under side and that cross member rides on the nubbins to keep the car level and not wobbling.
That piece also makes the truck so stiff the springs do not work. So there is no equalization to handle bumps on the tracks.
If you remove it, the truck will still work and equalize but if handled too roughly might come apart. By roughly, I mean dropping it to the floor or some other rather harsh move.
To disassemble the truck, you remove the springs, then remove those screws and take that cross piece off. Then you can slide the lower bolster piece up and remove the side frames at the wider opening in the sideframe.
Thank you so much for your detailed response, prrjim.
I'm just starting out on my 2-rail journey. I've located 10 of a particular Atlas 3-rail freight car, from the 1970's (I think), that I really want for my 2-rail layout.
The photo below shows the trucks from those old freight cars. I see that these trucks "snap" into the car frame, but I feel that I can modify the frame so it can accept a screw attaching the replacement truck.
Comparing the two trucks, the Atlas replacement truck … as is … would increase the height of the car body over the trucks. That is a non starter for me. So, thanks again for telling me how to modify the replacement Atlas trucks.
But, if I wanted to save money, could I just replace the wheelsets in the original trucks? Are there 2-rail wheelsets? And, in some way, I remove the 3-rail coupler from the truck? And, install a Kadee coupler onto the body? Or, is that not practical?
Again, I'm new to this stuff. And, will be buying the old freight cars this week … and then start to convert them to 2-rail.
And yup, Sarah …. those trucks are nice!
Thanks, everybody.
