A used ATSF #49277, a 50' plug door boxcar has joined the fleet. The model is a Tyco products Brown Box 339-A. The car was sold by Tyco from in the 1970s through the early 90s.
The car has been upgraded with body mounted knuckle couplers, metal wheel sets, a new brake wheel and a coat of Dullcote. The under frame and weight were cleaned and spray painted flat black. I find that painting the weights inhibits rust from forming and keeps the car in much better shape.
The prototype 50' boxcar had tight fitting plug doors to keep out dirt, dust and moisture. These cars could carry canned goods, paper products and other fragile loads. 50' plug door boxcars still ply the rails today earning revenue and transporting all kinds of products. This car is classified as Plate C, 70 ton boxcar with a 220,000 lb gross rail load.
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteWhat size metals wheels are you using on Tycos freight cars? 33inch? I've been cutting off the couplers on Talgo trucks and then adding body mounted couplers...but I haven't done much with wheel sets yet. I bought a 12 pack of 33 inch wheel sets and they seem to be the right size.
Thanks!
Ralph
Hi Ralph,
ReplyDeleteI use 33" wheels and try to use the original trucks when for these conversions. You will most likely have to enlarge the axle openings on the trucks for the Tyco, IHC, LL, AHM type cars. I use a drill bit in a pin vise. Micromark make a tool for this that some swear by. The Intermountain metal wheels have a metal axle that is thinner and just a tad shorter than the Kadee or Proto 2000 axles. Sometimes they will just drop right in to these older cars with little or no modifications needed. They also work extremely well in the old MDC / Roundhouse and the Accurail kits. They can be a bit loose in the Athearn kits so I use the Proto 2000 wheels or Kadee wheels for those. The metal wheels are a huge improvement as long as they roll freely. When installed correctly you will be amazed at how well these car(s) ride. Shoot me a message if you need further assistance.
John
Thanks John! I'll start with the wheel sets I have and give it a go. I appreciate your reference to the Micromark tool. I've been looking at that but was reluctant to spend the money (plus shipping). I thought I'd read somewhere before about using a drill bit on the trucks as an alternative. Glad to hear you have success with that approach. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteRalph