Took the shell off my Atlas Classic RSD 4/5 and the front part of the metal frame just fell off in a big chunk. Not sure if these are made of lead (maybe lead rot?) or what, but I'm not sure what to do.
I don't see a specific part for it on the Atlas site (Just the RS3). Does anyone know of a compatible replacement frame? Does the shell fit any other locos? I'm really bummed and not sure what my options are to get this unit back on the road.
Any suggestions?
Are you sure it's not the removable weight ? The RSD and RS frame are the same.Frames are made of a zinc casting not lead. Just order the RS-3 frame. --- Ken
What fell off? These locos have two large chunks of weight, one in the front and one in the back, which are not actually attached to the frame in any way and usually do fall off, although sometimes I've seen them with bits of tape on the weights to make the friction fit in the shell.
If something actually did break off, to get one of those old Atlas/Kato locos, your best bet is your favorite used equipment site. I know I've been able to find many RS-3s, for relatively low prices. Since you have a good shell, road name or even undec wouldn't matter.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
KemacPrr Are you sure it's not the removable weight ? The RSD and RS frame are the same.Frames are made of a zinc casting not lead. Just order the RS-3 frame. --- Ken No, it's the black metal frame with the coupler mount on it, not the weights.
No, it's the black metal frame with the coupler mount on it, not the weights.
Always nice work, Mel.
One can also easily fabricate in aluminum. Marginally lighter and softer metal - which makes for easier cutting, drilling, and tapping - but still plenty hefty and stiff enough for most of these purposes. Strip stock available at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc., though the dimension offerings may be a bit more restricted than brass. I'm betting it's cheaper per ounce, too.
John
Another Atlas frame "rot". There is another recent thread about this happening on an Atlas GP38.
I have quite a few Atlas locos from the "yellow box", the Classic line, Trainman, and the Master series.
I better check them out. Some I haven't had out of the box in a while.
Mike.
My You Tube
BigCityFreight KemacPrr Are you sure it's not the removable weight ? The RSD and RS frame are the same.Frames are made of a zinc casting not lead. Just order the RS-3 frame. --- Ken No, it's the black metal frame with the coupler mount on it, not the weights.
OK, seems that you may already know about the frame differents between old and new Atlas. Old frames (yellow box), most if not all, had couplers mounted on the plastic bodys not the metal frames (coupler and deck would flex with heavy loads). Newer frames had a coupler mounting pad, the couplers mounted on the metal frames (no flexing of the couplers with heavy loads).
mbinsewiI better check them out. Some I haven't had out of the box in a while.
Russell