Converting Atlas Front Runners to MT couplers, any thoughts?

[nkalanaga]

The 1049 is a locomotive conversion kit, for old Atlas GP9s etc, and does have only one pair.  The 1128 is the short-shank "generic" conversion, and has two pair, as you suspected.  I'd start with the 1128, as they were designed to fit almost any Rapido-equipped car.  Plus they're cheaper.

[reinhardtjh]

The 1049 is a locomotive conversion kit, for old Atlas GP9s etc, and does have only one pair.  The 1128 is the short-shank "generic" conversion, and has two pair, as you suspected.  I'd start with the 1128, as they were designed to fit almost any Rapido-equipped car.  Plus they're cheaper.

The 1049 is the MT recommended conversion for the Atlas Front Runner and does fit right in.  However, I have also wondered if the generic 1128 would fit.  I just haven't tried it. My 2 Front Runners have been converted for a long, long time.

The 1049 also fits the Arnold S-2.  Just in case anyone still cares.

John H. Reinhardt

[bbussey]

Seems to me, given that both coupler versions were in existence when the Front Runner model was released, that you should go with the manufacturer's recommendation.  Particularly when the manufacturer maintains an up-to-date conversion chart of which coupler version best fits each model.

[bman]

     I've several Front Runners, and the 1049 conversion works well.  You will have to do what Daniel said and do a little sanding.  I've also used the 1128 as I had some extras after converting some cars for a club member.   The 1128's do not fit as tightly as the 1049, nor does the coupler box have the little wings on the sides that the 1049 does.  There is some extra vertical slop due to this.  I've yet to run the cars with 1128's in a train to see how they stay coupled as I am using them for a project using an article in Sept/Oct 2003 N-Scale Magazine on taking the Front Runner to make a Santa Fe and CNW conversion from a box car to a skeleton intermodal car.  This is what I am using the ones I have with 1128's as I picked them up cheap as details were missing, trucks, handrails, etc., making them perfect for bashing fodder.  The ones with 1049's installed are the ones I've purchased new and am leaving as Front Runners. 
     As far as folks mentioning draw bar connecting these,  the precursor to the Front Runner was the 4 runner I believe.  The 4 Runner was a 4 unit draw bar connected set.  The Front Runners are stand alone cars as far as I know.     
   
Hope this helps...    Brian

[nkalanaga]

OK, I'll take your, and MT's, word for it.  If they recommend the 1049, then that's probably the best choice.  And, Brian, if you have some with 1128's and they don't look "right", they probably aren't.  I've found that those conversions don't work well if the couplers droop...