Well, the MT conversion wheels are clearly labeled, but which axle length do I purchase to replace Atlas wheels in Accumate trucks? I've seen it discussed somewhere, but I've not been able to find it. Thanks, Jim
Accumate trucks? To clarify, Accumate does not make trucks. Accumate makes HO couplers. They also developed a design for N-Scale couplers that is licensed to Atlas for Atlas to manufacture. They have also licensed the design to several other manufacturers. Atlas makes their own trucks and wheelsets.
Granted. What then is the proper Fox Valley axle length for use in Atlas trucks with Accumate-liscensed, albeit Atlas-manufactured couplers? Jim
I think we all know what the poster meant. I would have worded the question the same way. Adios Wyatt
In the time it took you to clarify things, you could have answered the man's question... pretty sorry actions for a dealer. .553 axles are what you'd want Jim. As info, if you have newer (anything made or released after the ethanol cars) Athearn cars with Accumates, you'll need the MT sized axle (.540 IIRC) to fit those. Oh, and to clarify... Atlas does not make their own trucks and wheelsets.
Accurail is the name of the company, they do make trucks but only in HO; Accumate is their brand name for their HO and N Scale Couplers. I believe there is only one tool for the N Scale coupler and that is licensed to Atlas for use. The Athearn, LifeLike, etc.. rolling stock that uses the Accumate N Scale coupler comes out of the same tool that is under Atlas control. I believe this is why Atlas has had to adjust the draft gear to get the coupler head to come out at a reasonable distance from the car end rather than tooling new couplers with different shank lengths... they do not have the right to the Accumate design, only to run the tool. Charlie Vlk Railroad Model Resources
I measured the axles on three different Atlas trucks* with Accumate couplers and they all basically measured at .56". With the sloppy fit of the current axles, I would hope that the .563" is a better fit. I certainly wouldn't want to make the fit even worse with the .553". And if you haven't seen it, everything is listed at the website. http://www.foxvalleymodels.com/wheels.html Jason *or who ever makes Atlas' trucks.
ul inf Jason, that is indeed helpful information! What's confusing about the site is that it says both the .553" and the .563" axles "fit some Atlas". While they're not exactly cheap wheels, it's hard to justify a "trial and error" system with these. -Anthony.
I can state, from experience, that the .553's are correct for Atlas trucks containing Accumate couplers. Specifically, I installed my first 25 sets on Atlas Coalveyors. I can also state, from experience, that the .553's don't work worth a DARN on M-T trucks that come with Intermountain 5161's. The .540's are on the way for those, and then we'll see who's next.
Remeber, "Atlas" can mean Atlas/Roco, Atlas/Rivarossi, Atlas/Mehano, Atlas/Hillside NJ USA, or Atlas/China when it comes to freight car trucks and axles. I wouldn't bet that any of these are a single axle length for the entire span of their production. Charlie Vlk
Specifically, which length axle would work best for the Atlas caboose trucks? Thanks in advance. -Anthony.
No doubt you that the .553" fit the trucks, but I'd like to know how the .563's fit before I come to any conclusion about correctness. With the amount of play in the original axle, an extra .003" could be welcomed. I'll have to order some tonight if they're not sold out already. Jason
Judge for yourself (not being asanine or anything)... http://www.foxvalleymodels.com/wheels.html My feelings are that when all factors are accounted for (price, quality, looks), these are the best metal wheelsets on the market...
(I assume we are talking modern, roller bearing trucks...) 33 inch wheels are for 70-ton trucks, 36 inch wheels are for 100-ton trucks. So if you happen to know that info, you know what wheel to get. Most freight cars have 70-ton trucks on both ends, hence 33 inch wheels. Probably the most notable exception, among many, is coalporters, which typically have 100-ton trucks, 36 inch wheels. Intermodal typically has 33 inch wheels EXCEPT at articulated joints, where the trucks are either 100-ton or 125-ton. The latter use 38" wheels, and intermodal cars that use them are almost always prominently labeled "125T". I believe tri-level autoracks typically have 28" inch wheels, to lower car height. In many cases the wheel size is stenciled somewhere on the car. The trucks are usually labeled for their tonnage. If you're really lucky, a manufacturer will have reproduced the former so you can read it with a magnifying glass. Otherwise, you need close up examination of the prototype in person or by photo, obviously. btw, I'm with Robbman on on the Fox Valley being all around better than NWSL. Never even considered the latter because of price, actually.
Thank you Ben! I have bought NWSL wheels for a Alan Curtis 10pak Fuel Foiler kit I did, and while they look really nice, they were pricey. Fox Valley's price is much more attractive.
I just wanted to follow up with my results for the Atlas trucks with Accumates. As was posted by a couple people, the .553" are definitely the correct axle for the Atlas cars with Accumate couplers that I had sampled. The .563" fit exactly as I assumed but even though they are still a bit loose, create too much friction. I would have to say these wheels are awesome. I think this is the type of product that makes 4 star ratings have to become 5 star. Could we dare to dream that over time as the standard wheel tread narrows, one day we could see a truck that has a more to scale width? Jason
