I just got 2 sets of Atlas Thrall 53 foot 3-car sets… the TTX one I have clears just fine, but the Pacer set has extremely low clearance and tends to drag on my transition to downgrade (no other cars I have drag, but none sit as low as these Thrall sets)- did I get a defective set or are these things made to be that low clearance?
As an add-on, my other intermodal sets are all Athearn 5 unit Maxi III, which are exceptionally well made and very standard. Perhaps is this an Atlas standards thing?
80ktsClamp- How much do they drag ?. Have you checked the wheel sets to see if they are 36"?. You may need to add a Kaydee washer ( red or grey ) on each of the truck bolsters , you will have to check your coupler height after adding them and check to see if the trucks are mounted right not upside down. Also get down to eye level and watch each car go over the spot where they drag, See if it is the same spot on each car ( air tank,frame,ect.). You might have to do a little filing and paint touch up, BUT check everything else first ( you should also check back with your local hobby shop to see if they know of any notices that have been put out on design flaws.) Otto
Poor tracksmanship… The transition into the vertical curve is too abrupt. It makes less difference with normal cars, you well car has put your track to the test and has come up wanting. The “correct” fix is to lift up your track and sand down the sub roadbed until your unit is able to roll across it without difficulty.
Actually, the “correct fix” in HO scale is what ever works and looks good to you and can be accomplished with least bother, but let us focus on the problem and not the symptom of the problem.
ROAR