When did Atlas Reduce the Flange Heights on N Locos

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, I am looking at buying an Atlas Geep that was produced in 1995 on ebay. Does anyone know when Atlas started to offer the reduced flange height on their locos? I am starting an N scale layout with code 55 track. The seller doesn’t know and the folks at Atlas do not know…

2

I believe they started phasing in the low profiles when they discovered that their current loco’s couldn’t run on their own (then new) code 55 track. Older loco’s in the line either never got updated, eventually dropping from the line, or were the last to get done. New designs saw changes much quicker, many of them were rushed into production with low pro’s before they even hit the shelves. It was pretty embarressing that their own loco’s couldn’t run on there new, latest and greatest track.

3

Can you get replacement wheel sets with low profile flanges?

4

Yes,many of the parts-like wheels are interchangeable.

In fact the GP7/9/30/35 truck assembly (China) is fully interchangeable and sells for $5.25

BTW.The wheel set costs $1.50 (1 axle 2 wheels).

It would be cheaper to buy the complete truck assembly.

5

Thanks Brakie! You have answered a question that I had!

I might add here that I had troubles with flange depth on many of my older locomotives–these flanges were too deep to run on my Rail Craft/Micro Engineering Code 55 track. I turned down the flanges on these locomotives using the time-honored procedure of cradling them upside down, applying power, and using a file and emory board to very patiently grind down the flanges; I used to turn down the flanges on my rolling stock by chucking the wheel sets in a drill and, since, in those heady days of yesteryear, they were non-metalic, using emory boards.

I can’t remember for sure just when the first time it was when new lokes sat my track without fouling the spike heads but its not been that many years past.

I do not use Atlas track but I do think that Brakie has the right idea: you are probably going to find it necessary to change the truck assemblies on lokes–Atlas or otherwise–on anything manufactured in 1995.