Loading Piggy Backs?

[ñiao]

I'd like the Atlas Flatcars with trailers.
http://www.atlastrainman.com/NFreight/tmn50flatcartt.htm
But I wonder how to load or unload them. Were there terminals especially for those cars?

Anybody has some pictures or links?

[Mark5]

Here's one way:


http://imagebase.lib.vt.edu/index.php

[Atlanticflier]

Here's another view .....

[wm3798]

The main drawback to the Atlas piggy back cars is they completely lack the deck details you would find on such a car.  Now guide rails, no tie downs, not even a 5th wheel mount (although these weren't common until later on).

They also don't have the tread plates that fold down to create a ramp between cars.  Maybe now that the old model has been relegated to the Trainman Line, a newer, better model will be forth coming.

Lee

[3rdrail]

The main drawback to the Atlas piggy back cars is they completely lack the deck details you would find on such a car.  Now guide rails, no tie downs, not even a 5th wheel mount (although these weren't common until later on).

They also don't have the tread plates that fold down to create a ramp between cars.  Maybe now that the old model has been relegated to the Trainman Line, a newer, better model will be forth coming.

Lee

But, if you want to put a little time, money, and effort into the cars, Micro-Trains does sell the individual bridge plates and trailer hitches. A better, brass, trailer hitch is also available from MLE, see: http://therailwire.net/smf/index.php?topic=12177.0 Then, you'll have a detailed car that's all your own.

[Mark5]

The Atlas car represents a pretty primitive piggy back - I've never seen a good photo of a proto ...

speaking of primitive:


http://imagebase.lib.vt.edu/index.php

[Mark5]

Another pic circa 1948 here (bottom of page):

http://northshoreline.com/freight.html

[ñiao]

wow, thanks for the answers. Yes, they aren't the most detailed cars in the world, but I guess they can be worked on.

The Brakewheel would be in the way for a prototypical use, wouldn't it? Can it be place on the side of the car?

[Mark5]

Here's a PRR F30d - I can't seem to make out the brake wheel:

http://prr.railfan.net/freight/freightphotos.html?photo=PR475462.JPG&fr=clF30

but you can see one on this (75') 1955 car:

http://www.sdrm.org/roster/freight/fl470513/index.html

[Mark5]

you see the brakewheel on this kit:

http://www.nscalekits.co.uk/prrf30.html

[ñiao]

Here's a PRR F30d - I can't seem to make out the brake wheel:

They are very prominent on the Atlas models  :'(

[pedro]

Prototype flat car "staff" type brakewheels can be lowered down so they are flush with the deck. I don't know if that is universal or not, but every one I've ever seen in person had the ability to be lowered. There is a latch at the bottom of the staff which holds it up.  If you lift up slightly on the wheel the latch can be moved out of the way, then the whole assembly - wheel and staff - drops down so the wheel is flush.

Ultimate N scale at one time had a resin replacement TOFC flat car deck for the Atlas car. There were even two versions as I recall. I don't know who has the line now, but I believe someone else picked it up.

Pedro

[pedro]

Ultimate N Scale resin TOFC stuff here:
http://www.nscalesupply.com/UNS/UNS.html

Not sure about availability, but they fill a unique niche if you need them...

[Chris333]

Sometimes the brake wheel will just fold down out of the way as well.

[ñiao]

Lower down? D'uh! Thanks!

Those conversion kits look great. Thanks for the link.