Diaphragms on Lionel Heavy Weight Passenger Cars

Normally one of the accordian links fits inside the doorway. You may actually have them mounted backwards. The peaked end faces out. That would effectively shorten them by one section, the same as cutting one section off.

Pete

Put the cars on the 072 curve without the diaphrgms and measure the inside dimension then measure the diaphrgms and set it up for 1/16 th inch in the clear.

Mikey

I still don't understand why they are not producing a thin black diaphragm, (like in a flexible dryer vent) with magnets to connect to the next car...

IMO diaphragms also need a slightly rounded striker plate so they don't snag on each other when going round-the-bend.

Rock, It appears you have already cutoff the end the fits inside the doorway and holds in place without glue. This what the diaphram looks like.

Here is what it looks like mounted to the car. Lionel car on the left.

I can appreciated wanting to close up the gap on these cars but the better way is to close the coupling distance.

Pete

Norton posted:

Rock, It appears you have already cutoff the end the fits inside the doorway and holds in place without glue. This what the diaphram looks like.

Here is what it looks like mounted to the car. Lionel car on the left.

I can appreciated wanting to close up the gap on these cars but the better way is to close the coupling distance.

Pete

Pete you sure are right.I had an extra one so I removed one that I glued on and re installed it as you described.It is perfect and no messy glue needed.Good thing I used hot melt glue,it came right off with no messy residue.I am totally fine with the gap shown in your pic.I ordered new ones from Lionel.I am going to re do all of them.It was only a $30.00 blunder.Not the end of the world.I sure appreciate the trouble you have gone through to help me.Thanks much,Nick