Keystone Customs announces Step 4 Packs for Atlas/ConCor/Rivarossi Heavyweights!

[Lemosteam]

Let it not be said that Keystone Details has a one-track SPF mind.  Through much development with @nickelplate759 , George C., Keystone Details now offers a 4 pack of steps designed specifically for Atlas, ConCor and Rivarossi heavywheights, with an integrated, snap in coupler pocket for MT 1015.

They are available here:
https://www.shapeways.com/product/3BZ3TXX6C/n-scale-4pk-steps-for-atlas-concor-rivarossi-heavy?optionId=59977183



George recommends an MT 1018 passenger car truck for no modification to the bolster pin location save to use the MT boss an pin conversion that comes with the trucks.  The OEM trucks can be shaved for improved swing clearance to the steps, but be careful not to cut the crossbar or the axle at that end will fall out.

Below are pictures of George's models with coupler installed.

With an MT car coupled:
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Coupled to MT height gage:
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Cuts and trims to install steps: remove frame at bottom of door, shave ribs and brake lines back to crossmember:
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[k27463]

I think I need a few of these...I have two Rivarossi sets that look pretty strange without steps.

I'm assuming that I really need to upgrade everything to MTL trucks now? 

[Lemosteam]

I think I need a few of these...I have two Rivarossi sets that look pretty strange without steps.

I'm assuming that I really need to upgrade everything to MTL trucks now? 

I would wait and see. You have a couple options.  MT trucks, move the bolster hole and use offset bolster MT trucks, drill a 3mm hole in the existing truck in between the axles and use an MT conversion bushing and pin, shave the corners off the existing trucks slightly to clear the steps.

Here is what I did to use an offset MT bolster truck: [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[nickelplate759]

First - Thank you John for doing this!  It was more work (for John) than I realized, but I'm delighted with the results.

Regarding trucks, here's what I've found (no pictures for now).

1. if you want to keep the stock Rivarossi (etc.) trucks, you can, after carefully trimming off the coupler box, but you will find that the truck swing is rather limited and this will limit you to broad radius curves (haven't figured out how broad yet...).   Some careful filing and trimming of the end of the truck will improve swing a little, but you must NOT trim off the bar across the end of the truck or the nearest axle will fall out (ask me how i know ).

2. The old-style Microtrains 6-wheel Pullman trucks work pretty well - just leave off the coupler assembly and orient the truck so that the end with original location of the coupler is now towards the center of the car.   These trucks are actually narrower than the stock trucks, so their swing is much improved.

3. The best solution is the one John showed - use the new-style Microtrains 6-wheel Pullman trucks. This requires either making a new bolster, as in John's picture, or drilling a new bolster hole (carefully) in the truck (haven't tried that yet).     This should work best, and look best too!

Now that the design is finished, I'm starting my first complete installation.  Pictures soon!

George

[Lemosteam]

Any cpmpleted cars yet @nickelplate759 ?

Just curious how they are coming!

[nickelplate759]

Not yet.  Been distracted by installing a backdrop in the new train room!
I've got 12 pairs of steps prepped for painting.

George

[OldEastRR]

What are the S&H charges for Shapeways stuff? I can't find that info listed.

[Missaberoad]

What are the S&H charges for Shapeways stuff? I can't find that info listed.

If you spend 25$ & act fast it's free!
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39828.0

Otherwise its typical USPS rates, not outrageously expensive.

[chicken45]

Let it not be said that Keystone Details has a one-track SPF mind.

We all know SPFs have four track minds.

[nickelplate759]

A little progress at last!.  Here's the first car, coupled to an unmodified car:
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Both trucks are identical - the old MT 1018 6-wheel Pullman truck that comes with a removable truck-mounted coupler.  This will get around an 11" radius curve.

Here's a close up with extra lighting:
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Finally, here are a bunch of steps treed up for painting:
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Next step is to try the new MT 6-wheel trucks with offset bolster hole, which will require modification to the car floor.

George

[Maletrain]

Just when you finish making these steps and accomodating the MTL standard magnetic couplers, MTL announces their True Scale coupler that looks pretty realistic (actually scale size and almost scale shape) and couples close to scale distance between cars.  A lot of people are thinking about True Scales for their passenger cars.  They are easily switchable for the OEM couplers on MTL heavy weight cars, but the coupler pocket box is a different shape (wider and shorter).  Wondering how they woud fit on these steps.  At least, with 3D printing, it won't be hard to make another version of the steps to accomodate the new couplers, if necessary.

[nickelplate759]

I believe that Shipsure indicated that the coupler box for the True Scale coupler is exeternally compatible with a 1015.  In which case, Good News Everyone!   Keystone Details, with amazing foresight, designed these steps with a snap-in holder for a 1015 coupler box.  That's a 1015 coupler in my photos

George

[Lemosteam]

Just when you finish making these steps and accomodating the MTL standard magnetic couplers, MTL announces their True Scale coupler that looks pretty realistic (actually scale size and almost scale shape) and couples close to scale distance between cars.  A lot of people are thinking about True Scales for their passenger cars.  They are easily switchable for the OEM couplers on MTL heavy weight cars, but the coupler pocket box is a different shape (wider and shorter).  Wondering how they woud fit on these steps.  At least, with 3D printing, it won't be hard to make another version of the steps to accomodate the new couplers, if necessary.

This is an excellent observation. I have asked @Shipsure for box dimensions to see if revisions are required.  @nickelplate759 I don't want to assume they'll fit just yet...

[peteski]

If anybody bothers to read the initial Joe's post in  https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39941.0 you'll find the following
These are body mount couplers using a box that is the same dimensions as our 1015 so any application that uses 1015’s will work.  I’ve successfully attached these to Atlas and Kato Locomotives with no problems.  We will be offering them in both standard length and an extended shank and draft gear box for longer cars.   

But I suppose it won't hurt to double or triple check. 

[Lemosteam]

If anybody bothers to read the initial Joe's post in  https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39941.0 you'll find the following
These are body mount couplers using a box that is the same dimensions as our 1015 so any application that uses 1015’s will work.  I’ve successfully attached these to Atlas and Kato Locomotives with no problems.  We will be offering them in both standard length and an extended shank and draft gear box for longer cars.   

Yep, noticed that after I posted. Still the box is a little different on the corners and the burrs there may make it harder to get the coupler into my steps. Anxious to try though!