Introduction

Atlas' N Scale 70-Ton Solid Bearing Trucks with Metal Wheels are item 9045. They are ASF A-3 Ride Control trucks.

As Atlas describes these;

Finally, an N Scale truck your models will be proud to ride on! These all-new, accurately designed trucks feature the extreme attention to detail you've come to know from BLMA Models. And, these trucks are factory equipped with awesome, fine-scale metal wheels. Can you hear the "clickity-clack" yet? We can!

As with all BLMA Models products, this project started with blueprints, measurements, and a number of close-up photos. Designed to the highest standards possible, the N Scale models feature all of the detail of the prototype, and ride on machine-cut metal wheels with a prototypically thin appearance. These trucks are perfect for transition era freight cars!

History

Atlas tells us;

American Steel Foundries (generally referred to as ASF) has been a major producer of freight car trucks for over a century. To this day, the ASF truck designs, specifically the 'Ride Control' family, are a common sight under railcars all across North America. Generally speaking, many freight cars after the transition era use, or still use, this 70-Ton truck design with 33" wheels.

The Model and Detail

These neat trucks are packed in a blister package.

Model Features:

- Injection-Molded Plastic Sideframes
- Fine-Scale Detail
- ASF Ride Control Design
- Machine-turned 33" Metal Wheels
- Correct Front AND Back Profile!

- Height to top of bolster: ~ .1586"
- Diameter of bolster hole: ~ .125"

Like other Atlas/BLMA N scale trucks, molding is crisp. There is a good depth of relief representing the coil springs and bolster. The tips of the brake shoes are visible. Lips are also molded along the edges of the lightening holes.

Coloring

The frames are molded in black plastic. The wheels are blackened and are not shiny.

Performance

I rolled these trucks along code 55 Atlas track. They tracked smooth and easy.

Conclusion

Atlas' 70-Ton ASF A-3 Ride Control Trucks w/ 33" Metal Wheels allow modelers to upgrade their older rolling stock. At less than $7 per set, they are economical. I think they are a good value and recommend them.

Please remember to tell Atlas and retailers that you saw this product here - on RailRoad Modeling.