Hello all,
This past weekend my little guy and one of his buddies were playing with the trains and managed to lose the coupler cover on a HO Scale Atlas 2-Bay Covered Hopper car. I would just replace it with a KD, but they are just a bit wider than the KD ones. Can anyone point me in the direction of a replacement? I have googled, but can't come up with what I need. Here is a photo of a car similar to what we have on the layout.
And the coupler cover
Thanks in advance.
Lonnie, Had to replace or modify many coupler boxes over the years. If standard parts, like the Kadee, won't work, use the appropriate thickness styrene and cut to fit. Some covers have that "notched" recess. Either glue a smaller piece for the "shim" or file the edges for fit. I like the glued on shim as you can adjust the thickness to provide adequate shank clearance to eliminate any slop.
Of coarse you realize that once you repair and make the cover, the Atlas one will just show up.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Thanks bob.
The other option is to replace the boxes with KD boxes. I already run KD couplers in them.
Lonnie Utah, do your coupler covers have a screw to secure them? My Atlas hopper, looks like the one in your picture, does.
Edit: I see two designs of coupler box covers. One with a plastic molded on pin on the cover and one with a screw though the cover to the underframe. I guess Atlas made a poor design in covers, the one without the screw.
Lonnie Utah Thanks bob. The other option is to replace the boxes with KD boxes. I already run KD couplers in them.
The draft gear on the hoppers are extension of frame/ bolster the open end has no floor for attachment.
Try calling Atlas. Coupler covers are available for the Trainman 4750 covered hopper and maybe they will either fit or can be modified: https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-3107-ho-trmn-4750-cov-hopper-coupler-cover2.aspx
There are also some parts available for the PS-2. Maybe the underframe includes the covers: https://shop.atlasrr.com/c-803-ph19.aspx