Improved Bolsters for A-Line Thrall Well Car

These parts are a drop-in replacement for the articulation joints included with either the RTR car or the kit version. The part supplied by A-Line/Intermountain is just a basic metal cating. It is functional, but not very detailed. This retrofit kit works in the same way, but the design is closer to what the actual components look like.

While the A-Line part is die-cast metal, using these plastic replacement parts will further reduce the weight of the cars. In order to meet NMRA weight requirements, it is best to run the cars loaded with containers. Use a scale to check each unit's weight. The cars are underweight out of the box anyways.

Instructions:
Unscrew or set aside the A-Line part.
Screw on this replacement part.
Check the hole for the truck screw. It may need to be reamed or tapped to the correct size.
Attach truck with 2-56 screw (truck screw provided with the car is too long since the replacement part includes a kingpin as part of the design. There is no need for the truck screw to protrude up from the top anymore.)

If you wanted to use the longer A-Line screw, it may be possible to modify this part. By drilling out the male joint and creating a hole where the kingpin was, the long screw would protrude up from the top, basically making the screw take the place of the plastic kingpin.