Author Topic: Replacing Atlas Wheels  (Read 3392 times)

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bbussey

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Re: Replacing Atlas Wheels
« Reply #15 on: September 16, 2013, 02:01:51 PM »
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I know it's a bit heretical, but I don't like metal wheels on an operating layout.

Why?

Because every time there's a derailment, there's a short. And when there's a short, a big chunk of the layout shuts down.

That's not fun for anyone.

Fix the trackwork or obey the speed restrictions.  8)
Bryan Busséy
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C855B

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Re: Replacing Atlas Wheels
« Reply #16 on: September 16, 2013, 02:51:32 PM »
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Fix the trackwork or obey the speed restrictions.  8)

And stop pushing trains through open switches! :trollface:  (Five demerits for you!)
...mike

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C855B

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Re: Replacing Atlas Wheels
« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2013, 03:01:23 PM »
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Anymore, the safe answer is to buy a couple of each size and length wheel set to have on hand and figure it out by trial and error. Sometimes even the "correct" wheel set doesn't feel right. It's good to have options on hand.

To be completely frank, I've more or less given-up on trying to replace wheelsets ad-hoc like this on Atlas cars. If I have Atlas cars I want to retrofit FVM wheelsets to (and there are a lot), I'll retrofit MTL trucks. I keep all the FVM axle lengths in my bin, but I've had frustratingly variable results with Atlas trucks rolling to my satisfaction, even when I've used the "correct" lengths, and then tried other lengths after calipering the originals.

That Atlas through the years has changed axle lengths as they have managed their supplier network doesn't help. It's a crapshoot to start with.  :|
...mike

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garethashenden

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Re: Replacing Atlas Wheels
« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2013, 04:49:50 PM »
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Thanks for your help everyone. Mike, I think you make a good point about replacing the trucks. I've replaced some already so more shouldn't be too hard. I'll probably body mount the couplers while I'm at it.