Like many, I have now fitted a set of 6-49081 70-Ton sprung metal trucks to a first issue cylindrical hopper (a BN in this instance). A few observations might prove useful to those of you with layouts based upon the Gilbert track system.
First off, the gauge for the wheel sets is very close to being correct because the flanges are not only deeper, but wider. They are easily swapped for the so-called “scale” trucks; however, I found that I had to make a few adjustments along the way.
- The coupler support tabs were bent downward slightly resulting in an incorrect coupler height. Straightening the tabs results in a level coupler position that uncouples and couples pretty well and functions properly with standard Gilbert uncouplers. Bolster height is unaffected with the swap.
- One of the two supplied trucks had a manufacturing defect. The mounting hole for the coupler was stamped off center in its support tab causing the centering spring for the coupler to not align to its intended centerline (i.e., it would not align properly with the coupler to be mated on the neighboring car). This was cured by cannibalizing one of the couplers with its tab from the “scale” trucks and remounting it on the new truck.
Once refitted with the new trucks, the first issue cylindrical hoppers (as do the second issue versions) negotiate Gilbert trackage and turnouts beautifully. They appear to have very low rolling resistance and the functioning rotating bearing caps are a nice touch.
Have fun.
Bob
