CAN TRUCK SIDE FRAMES FROM NEWER LIONEL 21" PASSENGER CARS FIT 18" PASSENGER CAR TRUCKS

They should fit. The main difference the 21” car trucks come without couplers. Sideframes are the same though.

Pete

Very timely topic… I am going to pick up a set of Lionel NOS (2005) Pennsy Trailblazer 18” passenger cars from Grzyboski’s on Friday, and I have a few sets of other Lionel 18”ers - no issues to date, but great info to know. Thanks.

@Apples55 posted:

Very timely topic… I am going to pick up a set of Lionel NOS (2005) Pennsy Trailblazer 18” passenger cars from Grzyboski’s on Friday, and I have a few sets of other Lionel 18”ers - no issues to date, but great info to know. Thanks.

The trucks will be twist tied around the top and bottom.  If you notice that they are bent inwards that is a sign of trouble.  Make sure you examine every car in the set as Lionel's warranty won't cover something that old even if it is new/old stock.

If you flick a wheel to spin it and a brake shoe comes off you'll know or if the side frames in any way don't align and the wheels don't spin freely is another sign.

Good luck with your purchase

@Chas posted:

The trucks will be twist tied around the top and bottom.  If you notice that they are bent inwards that is a sign of trouble.  Make sure you examine every car in the set as Lionel's warranty won't cover something that old even if it is new/old stock.

If you flick a wheel to spin it and a brake shoe comes off you'll know or if the side frames in any way don't align and the wheels don't spin freely is another sign.

Good luck with your purchase

Thanks, Chas. I’ve purchased a couple of sets of those era 18” cars over the last couple of years, and I just LOVE those white twist ties - would love to meet the person who thought those were a good idea In general, I think the cars are excellent… aluminum bodies, detailed interiors. As I mentioned, luckily no issues to date, but I’m glad that there is a potential solution should a problem arise.