Athearn and the gap

[lock4244]

Why do model mfg's seem to labor under the false impression that we need a country mile separating our freightcars? I was looking at the Atheran 2863 or whater cuft covered hoppers and it seems to me you could fly an airplane between two cars coupled together. I don't get it. The prototypes weren't equipped with cushioned draft gear, so what's with the gap?

I'd sure like to eliminate MTL couplers from my fleet since a) the slinky effect is beyond annoying, and b) the trucks seems way out of porportion (too small) to the car vs. accumate and other mfg's trucks. MTL was wise enough to produce many different shank lengths so we can close couple cars but there always seems to be a trade-off. Are we ever going to win in N scale?

[inkaneer]

Are we ever going to win in N scale?

No.  N scale manufacturers are still committed to the 9 3/4 inch radius and the Rapido coupler. That is, in a nut shell, why you have that big gap.   

[Mark5]

I was looking at the Atheran 2863 or whater cuft covered hoppers and it seems to me you could fly an airplane between two cars coupled together. I don't get it. The prototypes weren't equipped with cushioned draft gear, so what's with the gap?

For this reason I I have to replace the trucks on all my Athearn rolling stock. At least until somebody comes up with an Accumate or other functional coupler that works with the coupler boxes without sticking out an extra yard.

[GaryHinshaw]

The gap in these hoppers is especially egregious since the car is so short.   I put MT 1035's in mine which solves that problem, because to me the gap is more bothersome than the slinky effect or undersized trucks.   Most Atlas cars have the same issue.

I would love for MT or someone (BLMA?) to make a nicely tooled line of trucks (including 100T) with a lower profile coupler box that accepts a McHenry-style shank (no slinky effect) and a closer-to-scale coupler that is compatible with existing couplers.   I'll add my own FVM wheels, if necessary.

[Craig Martyn]

Are we ever going to win in N scale?

N scale manufacturers are still committed to the 9 3/4 inch radius and the Rapido coupler.

No we're not...at least WE'RE not...  Just wait.

[tom mann]

Are we ever going to win in N scale?

N scale manufacturers are still committed to the 9 3/4 inch radius and the Rapido coupler.

No we're not...at least WE'RE not...  Just wait.

Folks, Craig is a genius.

[pfs]

Are we ever going to win in N scale?

N scale manufacturers are still committed to the 9 3/4 inch radius and the Rapido coupler.

No we're not...at least WE'RE not...  Just wait.

Fire up!

[Craig Martyn]

For now, enjoy this:     ;D

[kiwi_al]

hmmmm nice 100 ton truck, doing a range are we?  ;D ;D

[GaryHinshaw]

For now, enjoy this:     ;D

Oh yea. 

[Chulvis]

For now, enjoy this:     ;D

Frickin' A!!! Yes!!!

[Ian MacMillan]

I've enjoyed it raw...how about a bit more?

[bbussey]

Are we ever going to win in N scale?

No.  N scale manufacturers are still committed to the 9 3/4 inch radius and the Rapido coupler. That is, in a nut shell, why you have that big gap.   

Not all of them brother.

[TiVoPrince]

Feeling
a tremor in the force.  Mr. Wallet has an empty feeling all at once...

[Pomperaugrr]

Those wheels look awesome too!  Man, am I glad you posted that Craig, I've been psyched ever since you mentioned these in Hartford.

Inquiring minds want to know, is there a possibility of rotating bearing caps?   

Eric