AtlasO bolster disintigrated!

I have had this happen on their 3 rail couplers and express reefer sideframes.

 

Pete

Vince, have you contacted Atlas on the side frames and wheel/axles that had issues and on this bolster? If so I 'd be interested in what they had to say. This doesn't appear to be rough handling but contaminated metal when built.

 

Butch

That's definitely "zinc pest"/"zinc rot" Fortunately, that situation can be fixed with epoxy if you want to, but I'd ask Atlas for a replacement. I've had it happen with some couplers. I've been looking to see if I can modify a Kadee to fit an Atlas box.

Yes I did. The trucks are going to Atlas for evaluation and repair or replacement. The Bolster I am out of luck as they have no parts for the reefers in stock, contrary to the web site...grrrr

 

I also had the same problem with Atlas couplers on an engine.  I need to replace them.  Joe

The Bolster I am out of luck as they have no parts for the reefers in stock, contrary to the web site...grrrr

Atlas had a huge problem with bad die casting back in the 2000's.  I have had this happen with all my steel reefers from that era.  I have a box of junk reefers until Atlas can come up with replacement parts.  

 

Let this be a warning to all don't buy any early run steel reefers.  The parts are not available.  If you own any, don't attempt to remove the truck.  The bolsters will fall apart.

 

Atlas has resolved the coupler problem.  They brought out new couplers.  I have no idea about the rest of their die cast problems.  It is VERY troubling that they haven't come up another run of steel reefers.

 

If they had to cancel the last run (http://www.atlaso.com/osteelreefer9.htm) because of lack of orders, the bolster problem from earier runs may be why. 

 

I would think that Atlas should have addressed this problem by now.  It is way overdue.  

That's scary as I have a bunch of them since day one. Most of them have been sitting in their boxes as I don't run them often. I guess I need to pull a good one, make a mold and cast some resin replacements just in case.

That's scary as I have a bunch of them since day one. Most of them have been sitting in their boxes as I don't run them often. I guess I need to pull a good one, make a mold and cast some resin replacements just in case.

That's an excellent idea Matt.  Mine had also been sitting in boxes for years.  When Atlas came out with the replacement couplers, I started pulling new in the box reefers out to replace the 3 rail couplers with Atlas scale couplers and the bolsters disintegrated.  I quit after the first four cars because it was obvious they were all that way.  

 

I've seen cars for sale I'd love to have, but I wouldn't touch them.

I have a case of the BAR reefers that I did not open until several years after I purchased them. The bolsters, steps and trucks were disintegrated. I rebuilt the bolsters with styrene, the corner steps with brass strip and replaced trucks with Intermountain trucks/wheels.

 

Malcolm

I could say, welcome to the world of die cast.  Is this problem of breakage because of age, or is it simply a condition that exists with the use of this material?  Years ago, some die cast simply turned to dust.  Die cast was considered an inferior product, not suitable for longevity.

Check the door handles on your antique cars.  Die Cast. Syrup dispensers? Chrome plated die cast.  If the foundry uses impure metal you get disintegration.  Die cast, properly done, is tough as nails.  It can even be formed if you do it quickly - the syrup handles come from LA die casting straight, and the factory then very quickly bent them.

 

My Mustang Convertibles, now a half century old, have a lot of die cast parts.

dropped a end ladder from an atlas 40 ft boxcar on a rug and it broke into pieces when i picked it up more pieces etc etc..beautiful trains though...! conrail john

 

Looks like a good candidate for thick CA.

I have hd the truck bolsters on 3-4 steel reefers disintegrate.   I got no help from Atlas.   They ignored my calls and my emails on this issue.   

 

Since they use a proprietary truck mounting system, It is more difficult to change/install another brand of truck to fix the problem.

Could be but I sort of doubt that CA would last long-term holding that little round bit in place.

 

I'd just replace the car bolsters and use whatever trucks I felt like using.

Martin has the answer - he would use urethane.  I simply cut wood bolsters.  In the olden days we would convert everything to Athearn or All-Nation trucks.  I believe PSC has nice plastic bolsters with full rivet detail.

 

Wouldn't it be nice if somebody started making those old trucks again?  They were as close to prototype as any in 5 foot gauge.

I have molds for maybe 5 different car bolsters now.  I still standardize to Athearn trucks.  Maybe I should bring bolsters to the Strasburg meet?

I'd like to see what your replacement bolsters look like.

Old photo that has 3 different ones in it.

 

 

Here's an example of a set under a project that I completed last year.