Took the shell off my Atlas Classic RSD 4/5 and the front part of the metal frame just fell off in a big chunk. Not sure if these are made of lead (maybe lead rot?) or what, but I’m not sure what to do.
I don’t see a specific part for it on the Atlas site (Just the RS3). Does anyone know of a compatible replacement frame? Does the shell fit any other locos? I’m really bummed and not sure what my options are to get this unit back on the road.
Any suggestions?
Are you sure it’s not the removable weight ? The RSD and RS frame are the same.Frames are made of a zinc casting not lead. Just order the RS-3 frame. — Ken
What fell off? These locos have two large chunks of weight, one in the front and one in the back, which are not actually attached to the frame in any way and usually do fall off, although sometimes I’ve seen them with bits of tape on the weights to make the friction fit in the shell.
If something actually did break off, to get one of those old Atlas/Kato locos, your best bet is your favorite used equipment site. I know I’ve been able to find many RS-3s, for relatively low prices. Since you have a good shell, road name or even undec wouldn’t matter.
–Randy
If you can work with brass make a new frame for it. I make replacement brass frames for my Rivarossi articulateds. I prefer dual motors in my Cab Forwards and I have built four so far and I’m presently working on five and six.
This is a brass replacement frame next to the original Rivarossi frame.
This shows the frame with a pair of Canon EN22 motors installed.
Before soldering the frame.
I have made several frames for older locomotives that had cracked from Zinc Pest, it really isn’t that difficult. I think every hobby shop s
You can also repair a frame using brass strips. This is a modified Athearn PA1 frame modified to fit a Rivarossi Krauss Maffei shell.
Didn’t like single truck drive, works much better with a Athearn 12 wheel drive frame.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
Always nice work, Mel.
One can also easily fabricate in aluminum. Marginally lighter and softer metal - which makes for easier cutting, drilling, and tapping - but still plenty hefty and stiff enough for most of these purposes. Strip stock available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc., though the dimension offerings may be a bit more restricted than brass. I’m betting it’s cheaper per ounce, too.
John
Another Atlas frame “rot”. There is another recent thread about this happening on an Atlas GP38.
I have quite a few Atlas locos from the “yellow box”, the Classic line, Trainman, and the Master series.
I better check them out. Some I haven’t had out of the box in a while.
Mike.
OK, seems that you may already know about the frame differents between old and new Atlas. Old frames (yellow box), most if not all, had couplers mounted on the plastic bodys not the metal frames (coupler and deck would flex with heavy loads). Newer frames had a coupler mounting pad, the couplers mounted on the metal frames (no flexing of the couplers with heavy loads).
Checked mine and they are ok.