Did the original Lionel 218 dump car have a load?

George S posted:

I saw a 218 on eBay with a load.  I have not seen this before.  Is it special for the 218 or will the 216 load work?

<SNIP>

Thanks,

George

Short answer to both questions — NO!

Ron M

George,

The 218 did not come with a load, and the load from the 216 will not fit the 218 without modification, which seems to be what the eBay seller has done.

If you look at the molded load pieces on your 216, along the sides, about midpoint in each piece, you will notice a crimp in the edge of the load.  This crimp produces a small dimple which snaps inside the lip of the side of the hopper car.  What you need to do to remove the load piece, is to spread the sides of the hopper slightly at that point where the crimp is, while lifting up on the load.  You can slip something (that will not scratch the paint) in between the load and the lip of the side of the hopper car, to pry the side out and the load up. Something like a credit card can work for this. Do this on one side, and then lift the load away from the other side.

Thank you guys!  You are such a great resource.  I learn so much here, and it makes the hobby that much more enjoyable.