Atlas Dash 8-40C frame insulation plugs

[Tom4884]

I recently acquired an Atlas Dash 8-40C, and when taking it apart to clean it up and install a DCC board, was surprised by two small plastic insulating plugs in the bottom of the frame which immediately fell out of course.   Is there any reason these cannot be glued in place to prevent further searches for them?  I'm getting to old to crawl around the floor looking for tiny parts!  Thanks as always,

Tom

[Lackawannae8]

Glue em in with canopy or white glue. Shouldnt be an issue and will still be serviceable. Remember only glue one side LOL

[Tom4884]

Thanks, I  was pretty sure it would not be a problem,  but always good to check with knowledgeable people to be sure!

Tom

[djconway]

I recently acquired an Atlas Dash 8-40C, and when taking it apart to clean it up and install a DCC board, was surprised by two small plastic insulating plugs in the bottom of the frame which immediately fell out of course.   Is there any reason these cannot be glued in place to prevent further searches for them?  I'm getting to old to crawl around the floor looking for tiny parts!  Thanks as always,

Tom

Tom,
when you do loose 1, 2, or more, thin styrene sheet can be glued in place as an insulator. (don't ask how I know this.  )

[Lackawannae8]

Tom,
when you do loose 1, 2, or more, thin styrene sheet can be glued in place as an insulator. (don't ask how I know this.  )

Model railroaders are usually the most innovative

[Dwight in Toronto]

I also lightly glue in the two circular black insulators - the ones that the frame-fixing screws pass through.

[Tom4884]

Tom,
when you do loose 1, 2, or more, thin styrene sheet can be glued in place as an insulator. (don't ask how I know this.  )

Frankly, after all the models they have made using the same basic split frame design, I was really surprised to "find" this addition!

Tom

[peteski]

Frankly, after all the models they have made using the same basic split frame design, I was really surprised to "find" this addition!

Tom

Atlas has "improved" their more recent mechanisms by going to screw-less design.  That was probably at the time they also "improved" the design by having trucks wired to the frame.  To me that is not an improvement at all.  I recently bought 3 different Atlas diesels using that design and it might be a good thing that the trucks are wired because they are so loose in the frame that they fall out just by looking at them!  All 3 locos have this issue.

 I haven't purchased any new Atlas locos for quite some time, so this was quite a surprise to me.  Yes, they have working ditch lights, and other details, but mechanically they are IMO inferior to the older split frame design.

[GGNInNScale]

Hi to all
I got tired of chasing the insulators when they fell out and ran away.  So, I designed a 3D printed version.  These work in all Atlas locos.  I also add a tiny drop of CA glue to hold the insulators in place.
You are welcome to use this file:

https://www.tinkercad.com/things/4FakxGWK4li-n-scale-frame-isolators

No commercial use, please, TinkerCad rules.

[Tom4884]

Nice piece of work!  I'm going to print these tomorrow, much quicker than ordering from Kato or Atlas.

Thanks,

Tom