I don't like the ultra-thick steps and molded in grabs on the Atlas O 4750 hoppers. Plus they ride a little too high. Here's my first conversion to wire grabs, and lowered ride height. I used a modeling saw to cut away all the molded in grabs, and removed the extra thick bolster on the bottom, creating a flatter piece to attach the trucks to. Kadee 740 couplers round it all out. I'm still wanting to change the stirrups, but that's next. Also,gave the car a complete custom painting while I had it all apart. Still a bit of a work in progress. Here it is for now. I use .020 brass wire and 18" grabs from Tichy Train Group. Those are on the ends, the side grabs are .020 brass wire and bent to fit 20" wide grabs. A pin vice was used to drill all the holes to attach the grabs.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest