Atlas N RS-3 new paint schemes

[Joetrain59]

My wallet just exploded! LIRR unit in orange/grey World Fair scheme.  See BLW.
  They need to release RS/S loco's in MTA blue yellow also.
 Joe D

[Joetrain59]

Got loco on Wednesday. Very nice paint, as the orange is not glossy, but duller finish like the grey.
 Loco did not run out of the box. Cleaned track and wheels, but sporadic. Then noticed wipers were not contacting front truck pickup tabs.
 Just took shell off, and wipers are now 4 pieces, instead of 2.(one for each side). Had to remove them, and reshape a bit, now running like an Atlas loco should.
Joe D

 Ran OK as frame only. Put shell and fuel/water tank on, and problem is back. Fuel/water tank piece was not so easy to put on, as earlier versions were.

[Joetrain59]

Does anyone have a pair of the one piece contact strips, that go to both trucks? (one for each side)
 Joe D

[nkalanaga]

Could you solder a very thin brass strip between the two pieces to make a one piece strip?  The contact surfaces would still be phosphor bronze, or whatever they use, so that shouldn't be affected.  The question is whether there's enough space for the slightly thicker ends to fit the frame. 

I've never seen one of these, so don't know how the strips fit into the frame.  The old ones went into slots, and some frames were looser than others.

[Joetrain59]

Yes, these go into slots, just like the solid strips. Just very loose. You can't solder to these frames, can you?
  Have to try your suggestion, Nkalanaga. Thanks.
 Joe D

[garethashenden]

If this is a brand new engine that didn't run properly why didn't you send it back?

[Joetrain59]

why didn't I send it back? Sometimes it's just easier to do a simple fix, then shipping back to Atlas, postage$.
 Joe D