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As being a new modeler of O gauge hi-rail, I have started to accumulate different freight cars from various manufacturers.

 

I lean more toward the modern era and have several Lionel cars with beautiful fully sprung trucks,all metal frames and wheels. I also have some MTH that I like as well. 

 

I have recently picked up some Weaver, Atlas and K-Line cars. However, I really do not like plastic frames and wheels, and I really don't like the metal "button" that is mounted just below the coupler that is used to tripped the  coupler over a remote uncoupler ramp.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations as to a good all metal truck that is compatible with the Lionel/MTH knuckle coupler?

 

Something that is relatively easy to install.

 

I lean more toward models that are closer to the prototype rather than post war cars - however I must admit that I do have some post war Lionel that I will run on special occasions.

 

Thanks 

RAY

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MTH sells some complete trucks separate, Can't say how the bolster height will stack up on your cars though.

My LHS (Local Hobby Shop) has the 3 rail Bettendorf and 3 rail Roller bearing freight trucks in stock for $15.95 a pair.

Bettendorf goes on older style cars, Roller bearing on more modern versions.

 

Not being real particular I don't know exactly which cars get which trucks.

I have noted some complaints about one of the other car having the wrong truck over recent years, you can search the board for that if you want.

if you don't like them for their operational characteristics rather than a cosmetic issue, plastic trucks are usually not the problem themselves, it is the lack of car weight.  i have quite a few Weaver PS-1 boxcars and they all have 2-3 large fender washers fixed over each truck.  after that fix, operation immediately went from occasional derailments to a smooth running train.

I recently swapped out the plastic trucks on my Weaver cars with Atlas O-3 rail trucks that I purchased from GE Hogger in the For Sale forum.  The process did require some minor modifications. I had file down the posts on the Weaver car where the coupler is screwed into the car to get the car to the right height.  Without doing this, the couplers would have worked, but cosmetically the car would sit too high.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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