Aristocraft rolling stock help needed.

DVS4G

DVS4G

RR Dave
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I am trying to improve some Aristocraft rolling stock. It wouldn't take much since they are beat up, using plastic wheels ( that measure 35 ½ mm?) and have parts/springs/couplers missing. Any recommendations for better wheels, trucks, couplers, whatever would be appreciated. Here's some pictures of one of the cars. Thanks.
 

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DVS4G said:
Why did it rotate my pictures? Weird, but still readable, I guess.
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Firstly if you change the size of your pictures they take the orientation of what they were photed with. I had this on my 3 pictures posted just now where I reduced the size and were offered upside down cos that is probably how the iPod was when I took them. Reloaded with no changes and they were correctly orientated.

As for your Wagon, Bachmann Metal Wheels will work fine though LGB are the same size but somewhat more expensive and much shinier. Though stateside there are other options around and sure someone from your neck of the woods will chip in. KD couplings would appear to be a good choice. Not so sure about the springs, would a cut off Biro one work? As for other detailing am sure that there have been US suppliers around.
 
Baxhmann wheels don't always work well in Aristo wagons - they're a little tight for length, something to do with the insulated bushings.

It tends to be worth persevering with repairing the Aristo axles - sometimes a brass tube over the plastic centre piece does the trick.

I haven't tried GRS insulated wheels in Aristo stock, and I'm not sure what diameters are currently available.

I'm not sure whether Brandbright are currently supplying insulated wheelsets either.

Now, some while ago, someone had found a suitable spring for the bogies - age and senility prevent me from remembering who or where :think::think::think::think:
 
Those are the older wheels, and you would be best served with metal wheels, unless cost is an issue, look to RLD hobbies for replacement wheels.

The Aristo springs are easy to find, they are the same as what is in their hook and loop couplers. Post on a US site like LSC or MLS and someone will put a few in an envelope.

Greg
 
I decided that these equalized trucks were, in several ways that I shan't detail here, more trouble than they were worth. I simply filled in the space for the springs with a small block of black plastic. Presto! no more grief.
Remember Johnnychuffchuff's first rule of trucks: one swivels, one rocks.
 
Greg Elmassian said:
Those are the older wheels, and you would be best served with metal wheels, unless cost is an issue, look to RLD hobbies for replacement wheels.

The Aristo springs are easy to find, they are the same as what is in their hook and loop couplers. Post on a US site like LSC or MLS and someone will put a few in an envelope.

Greg
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You'll need a few spare - they have a habit of launching themselves into orbit while you're trying to locate them in the bogie :mask: :mask:
 
Greg, Guess we happen to be looking at the forum at the same time today. Thanks for the tips. Spent 2 days in West Yellowstone and 11 hours working on the railroad there. There are some interesting problems to solve. I should probably email you and not clog up the forum with non thread-specific items. Also, received the 44 tonner wheelsets today.
 
I see this is an old thread, I have rehabbed a quite a few old aristo trucks here. One problem of course is keyholing of the bronze/brass bearings, these can be turned with pliers and reused. If this happens it does slow the cars significantly. Gary Raymond in the USA makes killer wheels that have shorter axle lengths that are designed to fit aristo trucks. I have used them and they operate well and really improve the look of the car. Beware, these have nice scale flanges, if you need big flanges, this might be a small problem. Make sure you have good trackwork. I use labelle 106 grease if it helps. Mike.
 
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