ISO Wheelset/alternative for an Atlas C-628

[Hedron]

I recently obtained C-628 with a melted front truck, that's otherwise in great condition with DCC to boot. (No, I didn't melt it. And DCC board is ok.) Atlas carries the sideframes, gear set and gear case in the parts department. But they don't have the wheelsets currently and no indication on future stock status. I just need one of the three wheels, I can salvage the other two. I hate to relegate the entire unit to donor status for one part.

How interchangeable are these wheelsets? Anyone have advice on a suitable substitute from another Atlas model, that might be in stock at Atlas? Of course, if anyone has such a beast in their spare parts box, I'm happy to negotiate.

[Scott Lupia]

Kato's locomotive wheelsets drop right in and look much nicer.  I use them on all of my locomotives since I have code 40 track.  Part number is 932090.  Well worth the money.

Scott Lupia

[peteski]

Yes, those wheelsets are huge improvement (both operationally,, and visually).  Kato wheels work even better in Atlas trucks after small modification of the half-axles.

There is an entire thread about the modification.

[Hedron]

Works for me. I have several things to purchase from Kato, I can easily add this to the pile. Thanks.

[eja]

Any chance you could post a link to that thread?   Yes I tried the search function, but no luck.

[Hedron]

Any chance you could post a link to that thread?   Yes I tried the search function, but no luck.

I believe it's this one:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=33107.0

[peteski]

Any chance you could post a link to that thread?   Yes I tried the search function, but no luck.

Yes that's the one.  I  must have has a senior moment because I was going to include the link in my earlier post.
The details of what needs to be done start around  https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=33107.msg379288#msg379288

Also, MBK stocks those Kato wheelsets and their price is couple of dollars less than direct from Kato.  Over time I have bought few dozen of those Kato wheelsets from MBK.

[eja]

Yes that's the one.  I  must have has a senior moment because I was going to include the link in my earlier post.
The details of what needs to be done start around  https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=33107.msg379288#msg379288

Also, MBK stocks those Kato wheelsets and their price is couple of dollars less than direct from Kato.  Over time I have bought few dozen of those Kato wheelsets from MBK.

Thank you !

[BCR 570]

If the Kato wheels dont work out for you, I have a fair number of the original Atlas wheels on hand, as I re-equipped my four 630s with NWSL wheels.

Tim

[reinhardtjh]

Also, MBK stocks those Kato wheelsets and their price is couple of dollars less than direct from Kato.  Over time I have bought few dozen of those Kato wheelsets from MBK.

They used to.  They have been out of stock for a while (few months?)  I have them on a perpetual wish list and usually buy a few sets whenever I make an MBK order.  I have notification set to get emailed when they are in stock.

[peteski]

Even more important thing about the Kato wheels (besides their much nicer appearance) is that they seem to stay cleaner much longer than Atlas wheels (especially after the plating wears off the Atlas wheels, exposing the brass tread).

[jagged ben]

I still need to order a tool to press the axles on the Kato wheelsets.  Still haven't got rountoit.  Anybody else recommed the Harbor Freight watch press referenced in the earlier thread?  Or something better?

[peteski]

I still need to order a tool to press the axles on the Kato wheelsets.  Still haven't got rountoit.  Anybody else recommed the Harbor Freight watch press referenced in the earlier thread?  Or something better?

To me, for continuity  it would make sense to ask this question in the original thread where the discussion about the press originally took  place.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=33107.msg625551#msg625551

[Steveruger45]

I still need to order a tool to press the axles on the Kato wheelsets.  Still haven't got rountoit.  Anybody else recommed the Harbor Freight watch press referenced in the earlier thread?  Or something better?

I made a wheel press a while back for about $3.
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=48520.msg643634#msg643634