Six Axle Flat Cars

[Roger38]

In our area we see DODX 6 axle flat cars, (not depressed center) about 60 foot long with two Abrams A1A tanks headed for a military base nearby. I would like to model these cars, but I have not been able to find trucks that look correct for this car. I think an Athearn 60 footer would work with some modification, if I could find trucks. Can any one help with the trucks, or know if such a car is available?

[Eddystone]

Rodger, I know the flat cars you are talking about but I can't help you with a model but I believe the trucks are 3 axle Buckeye trucks. Here is a link for HO scale Buckeye trucks, take a look and see if these are the ones. If they are Walthers also has them.

http://www.greenwayproducts.com/a_brass_trucks.shtml

[DSchmitt]

N scale cars by deLux Inovations are in the hobby shops now. Don't know of any in HO.

[Morpar]

As for the trucks, Eastern Car Works has a roller bearing 6-wheel Buckeye truck kit (#9083, no wheelsets included) listed for $4.00 from Walther's. I have one of these kits, but have not put it together yet so I can't say how well the trucks roll. It is a rigid sideframe, not sprung, and the kit is a pair of bolsters and 4 sideframes.
How does the MDC 60' flat compare to the prototype? I know my LHS has quite a few still in stock, so they must still be available. Good luck.

[Paul3]

I would stay away from Eastern Car Works trucks. If they're anything like their passenger trucks, they are near impossible to get to operate correctly. You need to build these trucks square so that all wheels are on the rails, while at the same time making sure that there's enough inward pressure on the journals to have the axles pivot freely on their needle point ends.

It takes some real luck and/or skill to build these trucks so that they roll & track well.

Paul A. Cutler III
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Weather Or No Go New Haven
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[tjsmrinfo]

roger
i think roundhouse made a DODX flat car in HO scale but it probably has the regular trucks.
you might also try precision scale models for buckeye trucks. these trucks are brass. i dont know how good they are as i havent used them yet.

tom

[Roger38]

I have a set of the ECW trucks, but have not tried to assemble them. I think they could have designed somthing with a little more positive connection. They suggest Ambroid cement. I have also looked at the Athearn 90407 trucks, but they are friction bearing. I checked the Greenway site, but the brass trucks get pricey for a retiree on a limited income..

Maybe some manufacturer will eventually make one.

Thanks Guys

Roger 38

[jrbarney]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tjsmrinfo

roger
. . . . You might also try precision scale models for buckeye trucks. these trucks are brass. i dont know how good they are as i havent used them yet.
tom

Roger,
I second Tom's suggestion about Precision Scale Co., Inc. If your LHS has a Precision Scale catalogue see which of their trucks most closely resembles the DODX trucks. Some of the Precision Scale trucks are available in either brass or plastic sideframes in kit form, although others are sold assembled. You just might be in luck, the price on the plastic sideframe kits is lower.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[Roger38]

Thanks for the info Tom and Bob

I checked the PSC web site, and the only thing they have that is close is one style of Commonwealth passenger trucks.

I will keep looking

Roger