Thanks for all the responses on this. On the whole they don't sound too bad with no more problems than the other two brands. I guess the only way is to get a couple and have a look for myself.
Bob Hayes
I bought the AML because they were a close match in detail to my USAT box cars.
The trucks are metal, and often lack any lubrication. Funny thing is that the truck assembly is lighter than an Aristo though the aristo has plastic trucks. The wheel gauge is more accuract and consistent than most.
They run very well, although the metal trucks make more noise, leave the door open and you can hear a bit of roaring as they roll by.
The ability to easily body mount Kadees is a big plus to me, cut the post off and 830s screw right on.
I buy all mine from Robby at RLD.
Mini review on my site: http://www.elmassian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=212
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
Merry Christmas!
As another poster has pointed out, the doors on these cars don't always latch securely. Four out of our five are fine; one needs surgery.
Haven't weighed the wheels, but was surprised about the comment that they seem lighter than their Aristo equivalents. They seem much of a muchness.
Each car comes with three sets of couplers. Since we use H&L, we can't venture an opinion except to say that knuckle couplers are fitted as standard.
Although the cars are advertised as 1:29, they are taller than their USA equivalents (i.e., taller than a USA 40' or 50' boxcar or reefer). The difference is noticeable. If you are a scale purist, that may bother you.
We bought our cars from RLD. If there's a better price, we couldn't find it.
If you want to see them in action, go to our web site (http://www.vimeo.com/gscaletrains) and check out Stack train and mixed freight. The mixed freight on the inner loop is a USA GP38 pulling our five AML boxcars, with a USA caboose at the end.
I don't think its worth swapping out the wheels, I doubt you would notice any difference. One other thing I forgot about earlier is that the truck side frames are solid molded plastic. The real springs in Aristo trucks can be a pain to work with but I do like how they look and ride.
-Brian
JD thanks for the info. I think I had a pensioner moment and have asked this before - can't find it though.
I saw them on RLD hobbies site and going off the photos they don't look to bad. I would replace the couplers with KD's though.
Brian thank you and is it worthwhile changing the wheels for Aristo Craft ones. Will they fit the AML bogies I wonder. On the whole I might have to get a few.
I recently picked up a B&O one. It is quite nice but I noticed the doors don't latch shut and can slide open when picked up at an angle. The metal wheels look good but seem to be a bit lighter than Aristo or USA wheels and heavier than Bachmann wheels.
Bob,
I have several of the AML 1:29 scale box cars. These are PS-1 cars. Great detail with good trucks and wheels. Graphics are first rate.
They have the mounting pads for Kadee couplers. Also, Accucraft supplies draft gear boxes and their couplers. These are not as nice or smooth operating as the Kadee coupler, but will serve the purpose.
Also, Art Knapp Trains of Canada offers a selection of these PS-1 box cars. You might want to check the Art Knapp web site. Knapp's PS-1 box cars have Canadian road names. They make a nice addition to any consist.
Can't really say anything negative about these box cars.
I am thinking of getting some of their boxcars. Any opinions on them and their other models if you have any. I am presuming that they are 1:29. Also can KD's be body mounted.
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