I have a number of Atlas 2 rail trucks that include a removable truck mounted coupler box. If I remove it and re-attach the screws, I notice the spring action doesn't work. I remember seeing something about how to do this so the springs work as intended but can't figure it out. Anybody out there can help me with this? Thanks in advance.
Peter
Replies sorted oldest to newest
My experience with the Atlas trucks is that the springing does not work when the 2-piece bolster is assembled. Maybe it is too tight a fit and very stiff springs, but I can get no springing motion on them if the top part of the bolster is screweed on. I think it may be that the screws that hold the top of the bolster and go into the brake shoe piece, lock up the floating bolster.
The coupler mount cross-bar allows the truck to spring slightly, but not fully. If you remove the top bar and put the screws back in, the truck springs more and also tends to equalize as well. The catch is that if the car derails hard or is dropped, the springs might come out of the side frames. I think the newer ones with the rotating roller bearing caps are a little heartier because of the longer axles, bearings, and caps.
Now, does anyone know where I can get hold of some Atlas shock-control couplers/boxes?
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
