Atlas 70 ton Covered Hopper Bolster & Coupler Conversion
Correcting the underframe of that really nice ready to run Atlas O car and replacing the Atlas trucks with more detailed models, such as Protocraft, requires a little 3D printed bolster part that perfectly fits over the existing Atlas underbody.
The new part is available in combination with a much nicer looking draft gear box to accomodate a Kadee or Protocraft coupler. You can also download just the bolster and draft gear parts as separate files, they are all in one donwload folder.
Here you can see the new bolster fully installed under the car.
An earlier test version sitting on the Atlas underframe.
The bolster will fit over the Atlas underframe, you need to file down the king pin center a little bit in order to make room for the new bolster. Glue the new bolster in place and use some putty to hide the diagonal seam between the center sill and the printed part.
The new bolster has been designed with prototypical side bearers that you might have to file down a bit, depending on the trucks you’ll install. Make sure the truck sits under the glide pad and not on the side bearings!
The new darft gear box replaces the Atlas coupler box and is designed to work with Kadee and Protocraft couplers. Both types fit right in but need a different cover part that comes with the download package. The striker plate represents my version of the ‘Union Swing Carry Iron Centering Device’
Atlas 70t CH Bolster Parts
Files incude a full bolster and draft gear combination, as well as both components as separate parts. You also find the correct coupler covers for Kadee and Protocraft couplers.