Author Topic: Autorack truck Question  (Read 1404 times)

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pmx_dm

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Autorack truck Question
« on: September 20, 2013, 08:04:56 PM »
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I decided recently to expand N collection with some RC Autoracks and an Athearn Automax.  In conjunction with recent buys I also decided that I'd upgrade the wheel to FVM metal wheels.  So referencing my library of proto photos I selected the 28" size wheels.  Being primarily a Z kind of guy, I was excited to have the prototypical size wheels available.  However while waiting for the cars and wheels to arrive I notice that some here mention using the 33" wheels for their RC autoracks.  Skip forward to today, all cars and wheels in hand, I begin replacing the wheels.  I don't notice any immediate issues with the one MTL or any of the RC autoracks, but when I swap out the set on the Athearn Automax I realize the trucks are larger than the 28" wheels.  So go back and double check at the RC trucks, since the RC use the MTL trucks, with the 28" wheels installed.  They clear the track and cars move freely but not a lot of clearance.  The other thing I notice is that RC and MTL use the barber roller bearing trucks, but the comparing to the photos the standard roller bearing trucks appear to be a closer match IMO.

Remembering DKS's review off Z trucks and couplers, and some of the fidelity issues.  I am curious to how how the N scale MTL trucks stack up.  Is there a N-scale truck that would be a better fit?  I'd like to be able to stick with the 28" wheels but can switch to 33" if need be.  One other note, converting all to body mounted couplers.  The plan is for these autoracks to be a unit train so they are only coupling with similar cars.

So I decided I post here for some sage advice from those more well versed in N than I. 

~Paul E.

GaryHinshaw

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Re: Autorack truck Question
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2013, 09:36:19 PM »
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The RC racks are bi-levels and the vast majority (if not all) of the prototype bi-level racks have 33" wheels.  I stuck with the Barber trucks on my RC racks.

Most of the Auto-Max racks have 33" wheels too, though some have 28" wheels on the outer trucks (but not the articulated truck).   You just have to go by photos.  I dabbled with 28" wheels on some Auto-Max's for a while but decided they were more trouble than they were worth, for the reasons you mentioned.  You can certainly justify using 33" wheels on most, if not all, of your racks.

The prototype racks that use 28" wheels are tri-levels with low-deck flats (these typically have cutouts around the wheels).  For better or worse there is no model available of that prototype, but the MT rack comes close.

-Gary

bbussey

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Re: Autorack truck Question
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2013, 09:54:17 PM »
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Yup, the RC bi-levels take 33" wheels as per the prototype.  The model is designed for MTL trucks with the offset bolster hole and already rides at the correct prototypical height.  MTL Barber trucks are more prototypical than the MTL Symington Ride Control trucks.  You can make the cars closer-coupling by disassembling the #1019 coupler pocket, swapping in #2001/2004 offset knuckles and clipping off the excess length on the coupler box and lid.  You also can remove the #1019 truck couplers and body-mount #2001/2004 couplers.

The prototype for the MTL model is not a low-deck tri-level and also rides on 33" wheels.  The MTL model body height is correct, but the model itself requires some work to lower it to the correct ride height and have correct bolster centers.  The Barber trucks also are the most correct for this model.

Bryan Busséy
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pmx_dm

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Re: Autorack truck Question
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2013, 10:49:38 PM »
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Thanks for the insight and info.  I found that when ever I could read 28" on photo I'd been looking at tri-levels.  And out of the hundreds of shots of bi-levels I only managed to be able have one with wheel size marked, which is of course 33".

Forgot that the RC trucks are offset.  That combined with your input, I'll be leaving them alone.  So I just need to get a package(s) with the correct size wheels next time I place an order.

Was following the thread on using FT couplers and have of plans of traveling down that road.  Bringing a little Z into my N :D

Brian thanks for the additional info with regards to the MTL models.  Any suggestions on lower it to the correct ride height and correcting bolster centers?  Or has been covered previous in another thread?

~Paul E.

bbussey

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Re: Autorack truck Question
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2013, 02:05:02 AM »
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Paul, see issue #44 of NSR (Nov/Dec 2007) for lowering MTL auto racks.
Bryan Busséy
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