Underslug Offset 70T RB Trucks?

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I am looking to take the easy way out and lower my MTL 89' flats with BLMA style underslung trucks. Unfortunately, the MTL uses an offset bolster on this car. Are there any offset bolster 70T RB trucks out there that have a lower bolster like the BLMA trucks?

[wcfn100]

I am looking to take the easy way out and lower my MTL 89' flats with BLMA style underslung trucks. Unfortunately, the MTL uses an offset bolster on this car. Are there any offset bolster 70T RB trucks out there that have a lower bolster like the BLMA trucks?

I believe the BLMA trucks actually give the correct wheelbase. 


Jason

[wcfn100]

So the drawing I can find shows a wheelbase of 66' for the MTL car and I measure the model at ~65'-10 3/4".  The drawing also shows that the jacking pads should be on center with the bolsters so it's pretty easy to see the the offset MTL trucks are pushing the wheelbase too far.

The BLMA trucks are perfect for this model.


Jason

[tehachapifan]

I've never understood the reason for the offset bolsters to begin with. What is the reason for these?

[bbussey]

I believe it was so the coupler pocket cover could be snapped in place and clear the bolster hole ring while doing so.  The original Kadee-made cast 50' underframes used to allow for the offset, but I don't believe the current versions do.  What's interesting is that the medium-extended coupler pockets do not have the offset, last time I looked.  Also interesting is that the bolsters on many of the MTL models don't align with the side bolster detail on most of the models regardless of the truck bolster being used.  On some of the models, you would have to body-mount couplers and rotate the offset truck 180 degrees to get everything aligned.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Thanks Jason. Now I just need to stock up on BLMA trucks. Some of the flats I have already went through some modifications. Stock > lo-profile MTL wheelsets > lo-profile metal wheelsets > body mount couplers and now BLMA trucks. If only I could trade all the legacy hardware, I'd be rich.