Lionel ACF CenterFlow and PS-2 CD 4427 Hopper 3-Rail to 2-Rail Help

Darin,

Here's a quick note about a simple conversion for the CenterFlow:

https://ogrforum.com/...58#84072378383268658

HTH

Pete M posted:

Darin,

Here's a quick note about a simple conversion for the CenterFlow:

https://ogrforum.com/...58#84072378383268658

HTH

Than you very much Pete! That's exactly what I was looking for! Would the bolster swap work the same on the PS-CD 4427? I had to laugh as the ACF I have is the same D&H that you have in your photo examples!

Thanks again and I hope I can return the favor someday,

Darin

Glad I could help! That aluminum CenterFlow is a really nice model isn't it? I have a Lionel IC orange hopper which I think is a PS-CD 4427 or similar, and the Atlas 100T trucks screwed right on the same. Kadees went on the same way also.

Pete

Pete M posted:

Glad I could help! That aluminum CenterFlow is a really nice model isn't it? I have a Lionel IC orange hopper which I think is a PS-CD 4427 or similar, and the Atlas 100T trucks screwed right on the same. Kadees went on the same way also.

Pete

Yes they are! I've been looking at them for a while and finally took the "now or never" plunge! I've been looking at getting an ICG Hoppers as well. Something about that orange and black paint scheme!

Thanks again Pete!

Darin

DaveJfr0 posted:

Tap bolster for 4-40 screws and convert to AtlasO trucks.  Modify bolster or add washers as needed to achieve proper ride height.

Then add Kadees and shim it to the proper height and you're good to go.

Thank you for the great info Dave! I'll add all that to my notes and give it a go here soon! I'll have to run out this weekend and get a 4-40 tap to add to the tool arsenal along with the screws!

Thanks again Dave,

Darin

Dave, Nicely done.  Excellent post and recap. 

DaveJfr0 posted:

Ironically, I had time to do one of these the other week.  I also remembered to take a few photos and outline my steps:

https://davejfr0.blogspot.com/...scale-ps2-cd-lo.html

Exceptional work Dave! Easy to follow step by step instructions and great pictures to tie it all together! This will help a lot venturing into uncharted Lionel territory for me!

Kind regards,

Darin

I converted three 66-foot mill gondolas to 2-rail using the Lionel replacement wheel sets. They're only available in 33 inch and have code 145 treads. Lionel claims they'll convert the Lionscale and other Lionel cars. They come with replacement bearing caps and the installation was very easy. They did work nicely on the club 3-rail layout (Gargraves/Atlas/Ross) but did find a couple of spots where the gauge was a bit wide. These might work for your PS-2 4427's as direct replacements, but you'll still have to drill/tap for Kadees. I'm going to be doing a similar conversion down the road (I have a couple of them, too) and bought extra sets for this purpose. The train in the photos below are the converted cars being pulled by a scale-wheeled MTH GP38.

Matt, Looking great! 

Thank you Matt for the great information and pictures! I'll look into the Lionel conversion kits.

Thanks again,

Darin

ALCO-C628 posted:

Thank you Matt for the great information and pictures! I'll look into the Lionel conversion kits.

Thanks again,

Darin

The kit is about $20, and comes with two sets of replacement bolsters for the Lionscale trucks to lower the car (not necessarily required for other cars). This is the guy I got them from on eBay (I was too lazy to search for a hobby store with them):

Here's what the kit looks like (the caps are on the other side of the package):

DaveJfr0 posted:

I updated my blog post on this topic tonight with some additional photos I found stored in my iPhone. I also decided to put captions directly on the photos and put them in-line with some of the steps to make it more clear.

 

As for Lionel's conversion kits.  It should work on everything Lionel has released extremely recently.  However at $20, IMHO, it probably makes the most sense to just buy AtlasO complete trucks and do a swap.  You might even achieve a better ride height out of the it. (Less shims.)

Fantastic revisions that make a great how to even better!

Thank you Dave!