Kato Amfleet Truck Question - N scale

[eja]

Does anyone know if the trucks on Kato's N scale Amfleet Phase II cars (snap on variety) and interchangeable with those on the older Amfleet I cars ?

Thx,

Ed

[MetroRedLine]

Does anyone know if the trucks on Kato's N scale Amfleet Phase II cars (snap on variety) and interchangeable with those on the older Amfleet I cars ?

Thx,

Ed

The models are 100% identical with the exception of the side doors (4 doors on Amfleet 1, 2 on Amfleet 2). So yes, the trucks are identical.

The Kato Superliner cars have different types of trucks (Superliner I vs Superliner II), but they are interchangeable.

[peteski]

The models are 100% identical with the exception of the side doors (4 doors on Amfleet 1, 2 on Amfleet 2). So yes, the trucks are identical.

To be pedantic, Amfleet I windows are also smaller than on Amfleet II. That goes for the windows on the doors too. 

[MetroRedLine]

To be pedantic, Amfleet I windows are also smaller than on Amfleet II. That goes for the windows on the doors too. 

Haha, I should have just said, "The Amfleet 1 and 2 cars are 100% identical below the floor of the car."

[peteski]

Haha, I should have just said, "The Amfleet 1 and 2 cars are 100% identical below the floor of the car."

YUP!  TMI! 

[EspeeGoldenState]

The Kato Superliner cars have different types of trucks (Superliner I vs Superliner II), but they are interchangeable.

I know I'm drifting the thread but...

Other than the Transition Sleeper, Kato has not done any other Superliner IIs. Sure you can throw trucks on there and call them IIs, but one has more roof ridges then the other.

Chris

[eja]

Thanks Metro Red Line,

I am looking to find the cheapest way to replace the trucks on a e-bay purchase,  They don't have the "plastic thingee" on the bottom of them and they derail very easily or fall off if looked at sideways.

Now to look for cheapest replacement donor car with good trucks that I can find.

Ed

[peteski]

Do you mean the wheelsets fall out (the truck's bottom plate is missing), or the trucks falls of the car (the truck retaining tabs are broken off)?

Kato does have those trucks in stock.

[eja]

Do you mean the wheelsets fall out (the truck's bottom plate is missing), or the trucks falls of the car (the truck retaining tabs are broken off)?

Kato does have those trucks in stock.

The bottom plate is missing.   


I am aware that Kato has the trucks in stock (15.00 a pair + exorbitant shipping costs).  Hoping to find a lower cost solution.

[peteski]

The bottom plate is missing.   


I am aware that Kato has the trucks in stock (15.00 a pair + exorbitant shipping costs).  Hoping to find a lower cost solution.

There are always the old Bachmann Amfleet cars (original, and the newest run). But Bachmann trucks are rather crappy, and you will probably spend about as much getting a Bachmann car than you would buying new Kato trucks.

MBK stocks a lot of Kato parts, at a discounted price. Check with them whether they have those (or can order them for you). You still have to pay shipping, but in my experience I can find few more N scale items at MBK to make the shipping cost more palatable.

[MetroRedLine]

I know I'm drifting the thread but...

Other than the Transition Sleeper, Kato has not done any other Superliner IIs. Sure you can throw trucks on there and call them IIs, but one has more roof ridges then the other.

Chris

Yes, the Transition Sleeper was what I was referring to.

[MetroRedLine]

There are always the old Bachmann Amfleet cars (original, and the newest run). But Bachmann trucks are rather crappy, and you will probably spend about as much getting a Bachmann car than you would buying new Kato trucks.

MBK stocks a lot of Kato parts, at a discounted price. Check with them whether they have those (or can order them for you). You still have to pay shipping, but in my experience I can find few more N scale items at MBK to make the shipping cost more palatable.

To be honest, the Bachmann trucks are ATROCIOUS, they make the car ride too high and they don't roll worth squat. If you run Amfleets often, I'd say it's worth biting the bullet and paying for the Kato parts. At least you'll know they work and work well.

I bought a few of the Bachmann Amfleets almost a decade ago when I saw them on sale at a hobby shop. They came with rapido couplers of course (Bachmann was one of the last manufacturers to phase out of rapidos -- in the 2010s decade - a testament to Bachmann's quality  ). But since they were the only Amfleets you could find in N, I made an exception to my "No Bachmann Policy." I installed MTL couplers on the trucks (there was no place to install them on the body due to the diaphragm getting in the way).

But once Kato announced they were making Amfleets a few years later, I sold those awful Bachmanns ASAP. Good riddance!

[greenwizard88]

The newest run of superliners is going to have the II trucks.

Edit: maybe. I remember reading it, but can't find anything on their website...