Atlas O container pins

I have been asking Atlas for 2 yrs about getting pins to replace some defective ones that I received and they keep saying they will get them with the next run.  Talked with them last week and they said they didn’t get any spares with the newest run of 40’.  Maybe they will get some extras when the 40’ refers are delivered.  The customer service people have complained to their supervisors, but nothing has happened.  They may be considering 3D printing them so they are not at the mercy of the container manufacturers.  

I'd like some too. I'll look at the ones I have and 3D print some.

They will be gray in color.

Let me know how many you each want.

The pins that Atlas makes work well with the 53' containers, but not quite as well with the narrower 40' and 45' ones.  The ring of plastic around the pin prevents ends of the shorter containers from touching which causes a rather large gap between the two containers.  Maybe there is some manufacturing reason for the ring on the pins, but a plain pin of proper length and diameter would look better.  As seen in the photo, sometimes the packages contain mutants. 

MUTANTS  these look like there are 3D printed.

I don't have any of the shorter Atlas Containers.

So I don't know what you mean.

The double twist locks that are on the prototypical containers do slightly keep the upper and lower containers ends from touching, just like the Atlas pins do.  I think the problem with the Atlas pins is that the ring in the middle is too thick.  I will post some pictures.

Pink/Red are 40'.  Red/Blue are 53'.  The 53' containers are probably a little too close together.  The gap between the upper and lower 53' containers is to the left of the 2 white squares.  The pins are not visible on the 53' containers because the pins are not actually joining the containers at the white boxes, but are inboard slightly.  That allows containers like the 40' ones to be attached to them despite 53' and 40' containers being prototypically different in width.  On the 40' containers the ring of plastic produces a much larger gap between the containers.  Making the thickness of the ring thinner would help the looks of the shorter containers, but might cause a problem in the 53' containers.

@AlanRail posted:

I'd like some too. I'll look at the ones I have and 3D print some.

They will be gray in color.

Let me know how many you each want.

Alan,

I would need about 30 of them.

30?  not a multiple 4??

I’d be in for 48 of these. Let me know or if you can email me the file my son can 3D print them. Very cool, thanks!

I'd like 48 of them as well.

48 + 48+30  so about 130............. I will be printing these all at the same time.

this is small not sure it will print. SORRY GUYS MY PRINTER SAYS "IT'S TOO SMALL"  WONT PRINT.

HOWEVER I TRICKED IT.

@AlanRail posted:

this is small not sure it will print.

If you are willing to try, thats great!

@JFC454 posted:

The pins that Atlas makes work well with the 53' containers, but not quite as well with the narrower 40' and 45' ones.  The ring of plastic around the pin prevents ends of the shorter containers from touching which causes a rather large gap between the two containers.  Maybe there is some manufacturing reason for the ring on the pins, but a plain pin of proper length and diameter would look better.  As seen in the photo, sometimes the packages contain mutants.

The problem with the 53' containers is the floor is incorrect.  The pads where the pins go on the floor should be flush with the bottom of the shell as they are on the 20/40' containers.  What the 53 needs is a box with upper and lower pins to line everything up.  I've tried creating one in CAD for my 3d printer but when I try and size it to print the program jumps the size to the nearest something so it is either too large or too small.  

my program has a scale option where it scales the object relative to a dimension.

Can’t wait to see what you come up with, Alan!

If you need more on my end, let me know

The  TEST pins printed. will be checking fit after post-processing completes.

.STL file attached for those who want to print it themselves.

Should be added to the 3D print library. See picture above.

The diameter of the Atlas Pin is 0.056"; whereas the diameter of the Alan Pin is 0.058 so it's 0.002" two thousands of an inch bigger in diameter.  the Alan Pin does fit tighter in the container and will not slip out.

As a side note: I have a lot of these containers. While searching for some I noticed that the 4 underside screws are rusting. My basement train room is dehumidified to 35%-40%.

@AlanRail posted:

As a side note: I have a lot of these containers. While searching for some I noticed that the 4 underside screws are rusting. My basement train room is dehumidified to 35%-40%.

Good to know Alan! I will have to start checking mine. I do everything I can to keep my storage area 43-50%. For brief times it can sneak up to higher values but run the dehumidifier to try and keep it at bay. In the Southeast it is a never ending battle. What kind of 3d printer do you use?

Chris

FormLabs 3

Those look FANTASTIC!

so should I make them smaller? Looking at actual pins in actual containers they are just a pin without the collar.

Also, the side holes at each pin should they be drilled out?

I like them just like they are. I like the space between containers. No need to drill out the side hole portion.

Fine just as they are, IMO.

OK I'll print 150 as is.

@AlanRail posted:

OK I'll print 150 as is.

Alan I sent you an a mail, thanks!

there should be 156 in there.

Great! I sent you an email this morning, Alan.

Hello Alan,

I also sent you an email. Let me know if you have received it.

-Calvin

I have addresses and numbers from Larry, Chris and Jeff.

I have numbers from some of you but not addresses. Calvin address?

I'd like to mail these out this weekend.

look for a PINK padded envelope USPS.

@AlanRail posted:

look for a PINK padded envelope USPS.

thanks Alan!! Very awesome for you to do this, and great news!!

@AlanRail posted:

30?  not a multiple 4??

I'm in for at 16 Alan.

@AlanRail posted:

I have addresses and numbers from Larry, Chris and Jeff.

I have numbers from some of you but not addresses. Calvin address?

Just sent an email with my address. Thanks!

I'd like to mail these out this weekend

Calvin

No email was received!

@AlanRail posted:

Calvin

No email was received!

OK. I just sent another message. I also sent you a Private Message.

Thanks.

I have a lot left email if you want some;  name address and numbers