Lionel AutoCarrier conversion to 2R and Kadee's

Mike,

Looks good, thanks. My sense has been that swapping out the Lionel trucks for Atlas ones would lower the car to about the correct height.

Could the Lionel truck kingpin not be used to mount the Atlas couplers trucks? I did that with good results to lower a Lionel auto parts boxcar.

RM

Rich,

Yeah the lionel truck kingpin plus the added bolster on the lionel trucks did make the car sit higher up then it should.  Just removing that and using the Atlas ones made all the difference.

Not sure I fully understand you question about mounting the Atlas coupler?

Mike,

I'm sorry, my question above didn't make sense because I slipped and wrote "coupler" when I meant "truck." I think you've answered it nonetheless.

RM

Thanks Mike.  I haven't picked up any yet but this model looks very interesting.  While I love the idea of its full scale length, it seems to have less quality detail than previous Lionel standard O.  Looking at the underbelly it screams of railking scale? The entire bottom is one molded piece right?  the again it will be mostly hidden 98% of the time.  Yet it looks like the body panels are perforated with holes.  So had looks to have details where they need visible and compromises where they are not.  What is your thought on?

 Nice job. I like the idea of having the spinners on the model.

Looking good Mike! Do you have any photos showing the main body of the car seperated from the flat car? I would love to attempt to mate the main body to an Atlas flat just for kicks. Thanks for posting your conversion.

Travis

Nice job and very straightforward.

Great work, and it looks very nice. 

 Are the new Atlas narrower trucks out yet? Are they a different part#? Anybody got them?

I got some Trainman PS 4750s 2-rail from the latest run in the late fall and they still had old style wide trucks. Have to agree with Mike flat car part of car carrier could be better [think intermodal cars].

Good Day,

I’m doing a little experimenting tomorrow.

I purchased a piece of flat steel and piece aluminum tonight at Lowe’s. The pieces are ¼” thick, 1 ½” wide and 36” long. I think I can cut each of the pieces 19” long and will fit on the floor inside. I will weigh the steel and the aluminum each after the cut and  post the weights. I think the aluminum will be just the right weight.   

Regards,

Frank

It doesn't seem like the Kadees would have the same amount of swing that the Lionel couplers would have on that car.  Have you run these cars, or car, coupled to any other cars around any curves yet?  And, if you did, how did they (the Kadees) handle it?  What is the tightest curve diameter that you ran this car on (when coupled to another car) and how close to adjoining cars did it come?

Thanks, Rick

The PS4750, the new standard for poor mouldings a scale sized Industrial Rail car, I hope the next Tman car is an improvement JMHO.

 Ordered some of the new trucks. We'll see how long it takes. I don't know why I was considering a swinging coupler box. My Atlas 89' flats make it around OK. There are some tight spots where I'm pushing their limits. I ordered the new long shank couplers for them to help?

Right now only the two, but looking for more of the two packs.  Was tempted by the motor city set and sell off the SD80MAC.

 No, I don't have the spare trucks or wheels to try them on two rail. I'll have to wait for my order to come in. I had planned on ordering NWSL wheelsets for Lionels w/ spinners. Lucky that I waited!

Too bad they are so modern; these things look GREAT! I might pick one up and convert, dirty it up and graffiti it up.. make it nice and ugly for fun.. sell it. Good job Lionel! I hope they keep up this 1:48 thing.. NICE STUFF!

any one know who has them in stock, looking for UP and CSX sets.

Michael, I just got the exact two sets from Gryzbowski trains in Pa. The sets were 156.95 each, although they're shipping was expensive.

-paul

 Have you tried Charles Ro then? I got mine there but they were preordered.

 There's a lot of good Lionel dealers all around the country whp probably bought these things. Grand Central maybe...Trainworld...

http://www.trainworldonline.com/search.php?bymanufacturer=380&checkbox%5B%5D=79&bycategory=96&x=33&y=10

http://www.nicholassmithtrains...1161/2012-Volume-II/

I saw these in the catalog but didn't think to pre-order, maybe I should have.  I'm going to springfield, MA show jan 26, maybe I'll see some there.  In the mean time here is the latest project on my work bench I am wrapping up–a conversion to 2 rail.  I haven't check it for scale dimensions yet but I'm sure Sophia will love it.

Nice Pitogo, nothing like M&M power.

This would be  a nice conversion for a Lionel autorack.

Yeah, and fairly simple. 

I wonder what year this photo was taken as you certainly could not do that in today's world with out expecting the cars to be damaged in transport.   Also, most trucks and SUV's seem to be in articulated bi-levels, not all but most.

Mike,

That picture is from 11/92. Those are 1993 Ford Pick-ups

Brian

Thanks Brian.  I was curious.  Anyone know what year the railroads went to completely enclosed auto carriers for trucks and SUV's???

Ok now that is too cute...get her started early.

Rich,  I've taken a pik with an ultra fine point and lifted on of the side out enough to rock the cover over.  It's basically a clamshell, below is a side profile.  You can see there are little tabs at the bottom of the clamshell

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