Swapping wheelsets on Atlas trucks

On "modern" Atlas O trucks.  First unscrew the truck from the car frame.  Turn the truck over -- top side up -- and you will see one screw on each side holding the side frame to the rest of the truck.   Loosen or remove one or both screws and then swap out the wheel sets. 

If you're also installing Kadee couplers you may need to cut off/trim down the pumpkin knuckle coupler extension.

Another approach is to buy complete Atlas O 2 rail trucks and swap them and then sell the 3 rail trucks.  The complete trucks and the wheelsets only are close to the same price and the 2 rail trucks are cleaner looking. 

Also, you might consider the NEW Atlas O 2 rail trucks which are narrower and closer to scale.  But, not many of them are available yet.  I was able to get a dozen or sets from the initial production

Hi Austin, thanks for the reply.  I guess I'm confused as to how I get the old wheel sets out.  I have taken the screws on the top out and but the wheels are impossible to get out.  I don't know what I'm missing.

Oh yes, now I remember.  You must compress the springs or remove them so the "top piece" of the truck drops down into the bottom of the side frame "slot".  The slot is wider at the bottom and the truck parts will separate.

If you're doin' lotsa cars it's a heckuvalot easier to just swap out trucks.

Got it!  Fortunately I only have 3 to swap since they have decals on the trucks.  The rest will be a hole truck swap.

Thanks again for your help!

When I remove the springs, I always put a piece of thread across the spring, perpendicular to the coils to keep if from going flying.   I have lost a few that way.

I also do that when replacing the spring.   I place the thread about in the middle between two coils.   I can then hold the thread and spring and most times reinstall it with my fingers without tweezers.

Biggs, you're welcome. 

prrjim.  Excellent idea.  They don't call them springs for nothing!!