Atlas Classic and AK RS-1 shell compatibility (and availability)

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've been kicking around the idea of doing another "Heritage Unit" and I'm trying to keep costs down on the project.

Does anyone know if the original Atlas/Kato RS-1 shell is compatible with the newer Atlas Classic chassis?

And does anyone happen to have one of the shells that'll fit on a "Classic" chassis for less than the $30 this guy wants?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355183311232

[mandealco]

Hi Ed
I changed one a few years ago.  The shell will fit, but there were some issues around making the frame and handrails fit.  Sorry I can't remember the actual problem.
Cheers
Steve

[central.vermont]

pm sent Ed.

[bbussey]

Atlas has RS1 body shells, and they wouldn’t cost a fortune. You should check there also.

[thomasjmdavis]

Hi Ed
I changed one a few years ago.  The shell will fit, but there were some issues around making the frame and handrails fit.  Sorry I can't remember the actual problem.
Cheers
Steve

I have a half finished project in some box buried somewhere, which if I can dig it out, I will post some photos, but my recollection is that the hood of an Atlas-Kato RS1 can be attached to the railing and frame parts of an Atlas-China RS1 and then the assembly fits without a major issue.  All the 'clips' are in the same place.  The Atlas-China tooling for the hoods is finer, cast on rivets and detailing is better, so unless one is trying to preserve a custom paint job or something, going with an Atlas-China shell is worth the extra couple bucks.

[brokemoto]

Does anyone know if the original Atlas/Kato RS-1 shell is compatible with the newer Atlas Classic chassis?

And does anyone happen to have one of the shells that'll fit on a "Classic" chassis for less than the $30 this guy wants?

Ed; did you get my PMs?