Help with a Replacement Passenger Truck

Hi Bobby, What is the problem with the trucks/couplers? There are some things that can be done sometimes to help them. Would it be possible to take some very detailed photos of the issues?

   Very best, Don Johnson

Don the trucks are good the coupler is the issue.  The coupler is plastic and has broken out where the knuckle is.  this is why.  I was figuring that a complete truck with coupler might be a better idea. I have temporarily fixed it with a Bachmann three axle truck and it works but it is just a bit short in coupler length.

Bobbie, Is it just the movable knuckle part that's broken? Or.. the main part where the rivet goes? I do repairs & such. I like to put old original Lionel type metal knuckles in place of the plastic ones, meaning the movable part. On modern cars often there is not enough room for the spring. I machine the movable knuckle a bit thinner where the spring sits to make it work. I've not had any of the ones I've converted break yet.

    Shipping is kind of pricy to west coast, but if I can help you email me off list. Finding all metal trucks to match your red ones might be nearly impossible. I would suggest Williams, but the ones I have are visually quite different. Also as you found the arm length can be hard to match. As a last resort, you may be able to splice a metal coupler to the shaft with some sheet metal & screws???  I do lots of fabrication also. I'd still kind of like to see  photos of the broken truck, maybe I could advise you better?

    Very best, Don Johnson