Wondering how hard it might be to convert a atlas unit to 2r. I like the paint etc and would prefer to keep the engine if possible.
Thank you
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Probably could do it by changing out the axles. But you might still need to find the 2r pickups. An easy way might be to find and buy a 2 rail unit with the trucks painted the right color and change the bodies. Or if you can paint a little, get any 2 rail unit and paint and frame and truck parts you need to transfer.
Depends on which Atlas switcher you are trying to convert. Northwest Shortline offers replacement geared wheelsets for the sw style switchers(Easy). No replacement geared wheelsets are available for the mp15dc (not easy). At least not from NWSL. Or at least that was the case within the last year or so.
Pickups would still need to be fabricated.
Jim
If you mean the Atlas SW series, I've done a 3 to 2 conversion twice.
Order the geared wheelsets from NWSL, modify the truck sideframe mounts to bring them in closer, add pickups to the trucks (easy), add Kadee couplers and fill in the pilot openings with styrene. A nice detail for the pilot is adding coupler boxes from a Red Caboose GP unit. Add the decoder of your choice or wire for DC.
There is a parts list available on the Atlas website that shows a few two rail parts. (SW9/8) model Unfortunately there isn't a blow-up parts diagram. The available parts list has gotten smaller as the model has been available for 10 to 12 years with many different paint schemes.
(1.) Wheel sets with isolated wheel.
(2.) Wiper pick-ups and insulator pieces.
(3.) Fixed pilots were different for the two rail models. Three rail pilots could be used. There were MU pilots that were also different.
(4.) I believe the trucks are the same either two or three rail with different adaptations. They may have been reversed with the three rail coupler mount turned to the inside/fuel tank of the model.
(5.) KD couplers could be used.
(6.) Two rail AC would use the same electronics.
(7.) Two rail DC had a different bottle board.
(8.) Small but relatively easy model to work with.
(9.) Acquiring a two rail model may be your best bet. Then switch the parts as needed. I assume two rail (AC or DC) are rare.
(10.) Contact Atlas they are usually very helpful.
Bill Serratelli & Steve Horvath: Repair Tech./Parts
Click to Email Bill
Click to Email Steve
Phone: 908-687-9590
Fax: 908-687-6282
2 rail versions are pretty common at the 2 rail O Scale shows. There are usually 3-4 at least, at any given show.
Truck and frame painting was relatively easy. The truck side frames come off with two screws. I removed the cab and die cast engine housing, taped the unit and air brushed the yellow side paint.
Truck side frames.
Frame painting.
Plastic pilots were painted then installed. The units come apart relatively easy. Getting all the wires back in the right place and re-assembly takes a little more patients.
Slideshow of custom paint from Atlas SW's undecorated. Click on the underlined phrase to link.
