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So here are some photos of a CP 50' High Cube I just converted this evening.  High level steps I performed are as follows

 

  1. remove the 4 screws which hold the two door guides on
  2. remove the 2 door guides and the 2 doors
  3. set the door guides, doors and 4 screws a side
  4. remove the 4 screws (2 at each end) which hold the underframe to the body
  5. set aside the screws and the body
  6. remove the 2 screws which hold the MTH 3R trucks on the underframe.
  7. set aside the 3R trucks and screws
  8. Install Atlas 100T roller bearing trucks using the provided bolster and screws
  9. tap the 4 holes to mount the kadee gearbox using a 2-56 tap
  10. Assemble the Kadee gearbox, coupler, spring
  11. Install one MicroMark O scale Kadee Shim on the top plate of the Kadee gearbox
  12. Use 4 2-56 3/8" long screws to attach the assembled Kadee couplers on each end
  13. reassemble the car

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Original Post

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Mike,

It's true about the level of involvement.  The blog post was made at a time when new Atlas sideframes were a fantasy, and many modelers considered the lionel 100 ton truck the best looking available.  The blog hasn't been updated in a long time.  Which is a shame as it's always interesting to see new layouts develop.  And there was a lot of firsthand prototype operations context he was providing as well.

 

Jim

Great blog from Jack Hill, anybody know the mfg of the centerflow hopper,looks like a Lionel aluminum car[ well detailed] but could not find that paint scheme in there catalogs. The prototype photos were nice, the Lititz branch was a feature in Railpace magazine last year. This area is near where the Strasburg O scale meets are held 3 times a year and of course not too far from York.

I just converted three of these today using the MTH 2R replacement trucks. Coupler height was dead on and the cars look good. My only problem is that I've got the bolster screws as tight as I can and the cars still rock really bad. Any suggestions on a solution would be appreciated!

 

Also, Mike, did you find tapping the 2-56 holes worth it? I didn't really have much difficulty getting the screws in.

 

Thanks!

 

CN_Hogger

I don't have any issue with rocking side to side using the Atlas method. I prefer the Atlas trucks over the MTH for the rotating bearing caps. 
 
I like to just go ahead and tap the holes for 2-56 screws as it doesn't take long as I find the finer thread machine screws can pull out easier on long trains if they aren't more secured into the holes.  If I was using a courser thread screw I might just drive it in the plastic without tapping the hole.
 
 
 
Originally Posted by CN_Hogger:

I just converted three of these today using the MTH 2R replacement trucks. Coupler height was dead on and the cars look good. My only problem is that I've got the bolster screws as tight as I can and the cars still rock really bad. Any suggestions on a solution would be appreciated!

 

Also, Mike, did you find tapping the 2-56 holes worth it? I didn't really have much difficulty getting the screws in.

 

Thanks!

 

CN_Hogger

 

After being out of model railroading for several years, this project might be a good start.

 

Mike, I still haven't decided to use the PC, but I really like the details in O scale--I may just try one set.  I have two other MTH 50' high cudes to convert.  If the first conversion goes well, the others should go smoothly.  Thanks for the info on the bolsters.

Thanks again Mike.  I ordered one set of PC trucks to try out.  The new Atlas trucks are about a 1/3 of the price of the PC, and maybe an alternative to the much more expensive offering, that's when they become available. 

http://www.atlaso.com/images/Trucks/7066.jpg

http://www.atlaso.com/o2railtrucks.htm

I'm disappointed that Atlas is not using their new trucks on the Trainman Bulk Head Flats.

I have never tried posting pictures here and will do that in a couple of weeks.

Mainetrains,
 
When purchased separately, Atlas trucks come with an insert that fits into the MTH car truck mounting holes. I've used these to 2 rail several other MTH car types, and I think the inserts will work on the Lionel 89' autoracks too. I recently purchased a set of the new Atlas narrower 2 rail caboose trucks to 2 rail an MTH caboose. Here are a few pics of the inserts, inserts with trucks installed in car bottom and completed install.
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Originally Posted by MaineTrains:

How are the Atlas bottom mount trucks connected to the car when the MTH are top mount screws????????

 

Vince

 

 

 

 

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Originally Posted by Mike DeBerg:

So here are some photos of a CP 50' High Cube I just converted this evening.  High level steps I performed are as follows

 

  1. remove the 4 screws which hold the two door guides on
  2. remove the 2 door guides and the 2 doors
  3. set the door guides, doors and 4 screws a side
  4. remove the 4 screws (2 at each end) which hold the underframe to the body
  5. set aside the screws and the body
  6. remove the 2 screws which hold the MTH 3R trucks on the underframe.
  7. set aside the 3R trucks and screws
  8. Install Atlas 100T roller bearing trucks using the provided bolster and screws
  9. tap the 4 holes to mount the kadee gearbox using a 2-56 tap
  10. Assemble the Kadee gearbox, coupler, spring
  11. Install one MicroMark O scale Kadee Shim on the top plate of the Kadee gearbox
  12. Use 4 2-56 3/8" long screws to attach the assembled Kadee couplers on each end
  13. reassemble the car

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Sweet!

 

I have several MTH "UP Heritage" cars I want to switch over to match the scale-wheeled locomotive I bought to replace the hi-rail unit. Yes I know they're fantasy, but it'll get them out onto the tracks instead of in storage.

I looked at one of my 50' high cube boxcars that I converted several years ago and realized that I did use a small washer which centers the insert and which helps remove the slop in truck movement. I use the same insert to convert several MTH 50' airslide hoppers and the insert fits tight without the need for any washer.

 

Travis

Originally Posted by superpower:

I looked at one of my 50' high cube boxcars that I converted several years ago and realized that I did use a small washer which centers the insert and which helps remove the slop in truck movement. I use the same insert to convert several MTH 50' airslide hoppers and the insert fits tight without the need for any washer.

 

Travis, was this the washer that MTH put in at the factory or something you found???

 

Travis

 

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
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