I really like the Atlas code 55 flex track and the turnouts too, but I have a little problem: I have several old locos, and rolling stock which have the “Pizza Cutter” flanges - which really won’t work on the code 55 track. Has anyone successfully reduced the flange size, or re-wheeled a loco?
I wouldn’t mind replacing the rolling stock’s wheelsets (I could change coupler types then too), but I’m stuck on how to use my older Locos.
Thanks,
John
i’ve heard of people “grinding” them. i don’t know how but it dosen’t sound delicate. best would be a lathe, but if you’re careful you mught be able to chuck them in a drill press and use a file.
is pantone your last name or are you a printer??
A lot of times Northwest Shortline can help ( http://www.nwsl.com/ ). They carry wheelsets for a lot of loco’s. If they don’t have it then you could always turn down the flanges on a lathe ($0!!!).
I swapped out the wheels on several Life Life FA2 & FB2 units so they would work on code 55. Just like Philip said, I used NWSL sets. Life Like FA/B 1&2 units all use a split axle, so the wheels and a metal half axle fit snugly into a plastic outer axle, like inserting a pin into a tube. The only touchy part is making sure they are in gauge, but an NMRA tool makes that easy.
Depending on the loco and your plans down the road (like converting to DCC), they may not be worth the effort. It’s always some balance of how well they run, if they fit into your layout plans, etc vs. the cost of just replacing them. In my case, they got retrofitted because my railroad uses mostly Alco power, they aren’t bad to convert to DCC and they would pull my car if I ever needed them to.