Confirmed: MT1015 works on new Atlas PS-1 Boxcars

[Cory Rothlisberger]

"Atlas" metal wheelsets.  *cough* FVM *cough*

Eh, not exactly. They are "communal" factory wheel sets. The FVM 33" wheels are finer than the ones on our PS-1...

[bbussey]

True dat.  The outer face for the FVM and Atlas wheels both look good but are different, noticeably so.

[Sokramiketes]

Eh, not exactly. They are "communal" factory wheel sets. The FVM 33" wheels are finer than the ones on our PS-1...

The FVM wide-treads? The RTR stuff gets those, and they're available separate too.  At least Trainworx is nice enough to put the sticker on the box that says FVM... 

[Sokramiketes]

True dat.  The outer face for the FVM and Atlas wheels both look good but are different, noticeably so.

This heckling thread is no place for facts. 

[Robbman]

The FVM wide-treads? The RTR stuff gets those, and they're available separate too.  At least Trainworx is nice enough to put the sticker on the box that says FVM... 

Yeah... when are FVM and others going to put a BLMA sticker on the box for the truck sideframes

[Sokramiketes]

Yeah... when are FVM and others going to put a BLMA sticker on the box for the truck sideframes

I checked the ejector pin marks and didn't see BL - MA in them.  So, therefore, they are clearly different...      

 

[Robbman]

I checked the ejector pin marks and didn't see BL - MA in them.  So, therefore, they are clearly different...      

 

Yeah... they're communistunal

[pedro]

How about a Z scale coupler? Can it fit somehow in the pocket?

[skm]

How about a Z scale coupler? Can it fit somehow in the pocket?

Funny you should ask! I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to do just that! The cast on coupler box is just a little too far back, even with trimming the front lip off. For me, I'm going to have to trim of the cast coupler box and attach an assembled 905. (I'm sorry but life is too short for me to assemble 903's) 

[MichaelWinicki]

The axle length of the new wheelsets that come with the PS1's seems to be different than the length found on the regular line wheelsets.

I wonder if we'll be seeing these new Atlas metal wheelsets being made available (in the correct length) for regular Atlas stock.

[bbussey]

The axle length of the new wheelsets that come with the PS1's seems to be different than the length found on the regular line wheelsets...

That's because the Barber A-3 truck frames are closer to scale width, as opposed to the large majority of existing N scale trucks.  So are the BLMA truck frames, which are equipped with MTL-length axles.  The new Atlas wheelsets probably have the MTL axle-length as well, which is shorter than the other Atlas wheelsets.

[MichaelWinicki]

That's because the truck frames are closer to scale width, as opposed to the large majority of existing N scale trucks.

That would make sense Bryan.

I hope Atlas makes those trucks and wheelsets available for separate purchase.

[peteski]

That's because the Barber A-3 truck frames are closer to scale width, as opposed to the large majority of existing N scale trucks.  So are the BLMA truck frames, which are equipped with MTL-length axles.  The new Atlas wheelsets probably have the MTL axle-length as well, which is shorter than the other Atlas wheelsets.

Yeah, that is something I noticed right away when my car arrived!  We are so used to overly wide trucks that these look like this car is narrow-gauge car. The trucks seem to disappear under the body!  Good job Atlas!

[peteski]

Eh, not exactly. They are "communal" factory wheel sets. The FVM 33" wheels are finer than the ones on our PS-1...

Here is a photo comparing the wheels:



Seems that Atlas wheel has a bigger rim.  IMO, thinner rim (FVM) looks more realistic.  Atlas wheels have slightly wider thread and deeper flange.

[peteski]

For the benefit of people who don't own the car, here is a photo of the coupler pocket.  Both the top and bottom parts do have the depressions molded in them for MT coupler's centering tabs.  Kudos for Atlas for thinking ahead and considering people who don't care for AccuMates.


Couple of other thoughts:
The underframe is made from die cast metal with a plastic insert for the center sill, cross members and brake gear. Similar to how MT underframes are constructed.  The top of the coupler pocket is molded with the underframe.  I wish that Atlas molded the pocket a bit more inward for close closer coupling. As is it will be impossible to modify it to couple closer without totally milling the coupler pocket off the frame.  Major pain!

I did a quick coupler height check (using the MT height gauge) and the couple sits a tad too low.  Again, without milling the couple pocket off, the coupler cannot be raised. I know that a washer can be added to the truck bolster but do we want the car body to sit any higher (especially after all the complaining that MT's PS1 sits too high on the trucks)?  No! 

The other gripe I have is about the box this car comes in.  It is too big!  If other manufacturers ahem..MT...ahem can package their 40' boxcars in small boxes, why does Atlas need to put the same size car in a giant plastic box?!  Don't tell me they did that to protect the delicate parts because there aren't any especially delicate parts on that car.  I keep all the boxes for my rolling stock and this one definitely makes things more difficult for me storage-wise.

Speaking of the details,  here is the brake wheel on my car.  Notice that it is warped and it has glue on it.  The warp actually look realistic (as the 1:1 brake wheels get abused) but the glue splat is not cool.



The very nice photoetched running board seems to be "welded" (melted, not glued) to the ribs molded in the roof.  That is probably the best attachment method to prevent the running board from coming loose.

The other odd thing I noticed is that the holes for mounting side ladders are actually manually drilled in each car (on one of my cars there are couple of holes someone started in the wrong location).  It is weird that these wouldn't be molded in the body as all the manual labor involved in assembling these must bring the cost up.  I'm not a big fan on separately applied ladders in N scale (they are usually too clunky) but these don't look that bad (still, I prefer molded-on ladders).