Modifying Amfleet cars

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi all,

I would like to run Amtrak amfleet cars on a layout that has 18" radius curves. I have already found out the hard way that the RTR bachmann and walthers amfleet cars won’t make it around curves that are that sharp.

I know the athearn cars will work but I would like something a little more prototypical.

So, I have arrived at the possiblity of modyifying the bachmann or walthers cars so they will take those tiny curves.

My question is, would it even be possible to do this? Could it be as simple as lengthening the couplers or do I need to mess with the trucks? Has anyone conquered this problem?

Please help, I’m running out of ideas.

2

Probably the only thing that will work with this is to have talgo mounted couplers. Most cars the length of the Amfleets will give you headaches running on that sharp of a radius. The Athearn cars are “selectively compressed” and have the talgo couplers because the original design of them was in a time that these sharp curves were all that was available.

3

The problem seems to be that the shells touch when they’re going around a sharp curve. Could I lengthen the couplers so there is more space between the shells?

Tom,
I’d rather stay away from the athearns because they are, like you said, compressed. I may just have to settle with them though.

Anyone else have comments or suggestions? It would be appreciated.

4

I suppose you could try long shank Kadees. They will give you a little more distance between the cars.

5

Has anyone tried this? I don’t want to spend $50 on a couple cars just to find out they won’t work. I like to learn from other people’s mistakes, not mine [:D]

6

The easy answer to the coupler question is to buy a pack and try it. One pack will convert two cars, so it sould be enough to determine if it will work for you.

The problem remains in the tight curves on the layout. Shorter cars will be the order of the day because of this. I wouldn’t recommend trying to run 86 foot intermodal flats or auto carriers on this radius, either.

7

That seems like the only option. I don’t plan on anything longer than the 85’ amfleet cars. Mostly 54’ hoppers and boxcars. My LHS will probably let me test this out in the shop so I don’t have to buy everything just to find out when I get home it doesn’t work.

Thanks for the replies.