Late '70s early '80s Atlas Handrails

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Everyone!

I bought a late '70s or early '80 Atlas GP40 that was missing the front side handrails. I knew they were missing but thought they would be easy to get from Atlas. I was wrong on that one. I was told when I called there that the handrails were discontinued and no longer available. I also have the same situation with a high hood GP38 I am going to try to sell as a fund raiser for a church camp, as well as about six other Atlas engines which do have all their handrails.

My question is, does anyone here know where I can buy replacement Atlas handrails?

Also, would anyone here be interested in the Atlas units before I put them on eBay? If youmay be interested, let me know.

Thanks,

Brad

2

You might be able to get some from Con-Cor since they currently produce the same models.

3

Take a real good look at the current Bachmann GP 40. It sure looks just like the Atlas/Con Cor shell.

Maybe others who own both can comment.

4

I have two of the Atlas GP40’s. I put Bachmann shells on both. The Bachmann GP40 shell fits on the old Atlas drive with no modification required and it looks better. The couplers mount on the shell almost the same as the Atlas.

5

The Bachmann GP40 is entirely new, but I think they based it off the Roco/Atlas shell.

Roco may still be making the GP40 for Con-Cor, so Con-Cor may have the handrails you need.

6

Roco never made the GP 40 for Con Cor. What they did was sell them parts. Con-Cor assembled units in Mexico and the US.

The “Made in Austria” verbiage was ground off the bottom of the trucks. Some had a sticker on the bottom of the tank stating “Assembled in Mexico”.

That was at least 10-15 years ago. The same happened with the GP 38, SD 24 and SD 35s. I have both Atlas and Con Cor units.

The Con Cor units had a improved Roco motor. Later they used the lower gearing which matched the second run of the Atlas FP 7. These second style units could be Id by a single screw hole in the frame.

Jeff, could the railings from the Bachmann fit the Atlas?

7

I’m looking at them side by side and it looks like the two are a match. The stanchions are all in the same places. The holes may be different sizes.

8

Now I have to wonder if Bachmann / Kader bought the molds or if they are simply buying shells from Roco.

Brad, if Con Cor is a dead end, try Bachmann. Even if the holes are slightly off, they should be useable.

9

I just sent an email to Con Cor asking if they might have them or know of someone who would. I’ll see what their answer is.