I am looking at a older Atlas N scale RS in fairly sad shape…Anybody have any experience with these units and finding parts?..I know i will need to locate 1 hand rail and a truck side frame at least…Any advice appreciated…Thanks…Cox 47
Which model? RS-1? RS-3? RSD-4/5? RS-11? RSD-12? Check the Atlas web site. You can order parts directly from the company, if parts for early models are still available. Of the older Kato-built Atlas N scale RS units, only the RS-1 had flywheels, and couplers were truck-mounted on all early Atlas N scale RS locos.
If it’s an oldie with open pilot, maybe get a new body with closed pilot. The originals are genuine Kato MIJ and respond really well to cleanup and simple tuning. But if it is a basket case, well, you’re the judge. Seriously, if you don’t care about DCC for the particular unit, an older Kato mechanism can run really well, and if you’re into some kind of micro-masochism you can even still find the pilot conversions. Atlas sells body shells; they claim to sell parts, also. I never tried to buy a truck sideframe from them, but send them an email and see. Atlas is pretty good.