My Lionel 6456/6476 hoppers tended to derail with some regularity over older style Gargraves switches so they sat in a box or a shelf most of the time. A few years ago I came across some MTH trucks at a good price and decided to see if I could make them work on the LV hoppers. The MTH trucks retail for around $20. I’m not sure if anyone else would actually spend $20 on a $7 hopper car but I do like the LV hoppers and thought I would share what I did.
This modification can be done on hoppers that have truck frames attached to the car with screws or with tabs. Cars with screws are preferable since there is no danger of breaking the tab. It can’t be done to hoppers with trucks riveted directly to the plastic car.
Here are the parts needed for one car:
- 3/16” OD tube cut to 0.14” long (2 pieces)
- 1/8” ID washers (2)
- ¼” ID washers (need 8 washers for two 0.16” high stacks)
- 3-0.5 X 10 machine screws (2)
- MTH 30-89002 roller bearing trucks (pair)
Step 1: Remove and disassemble the Lionel truck frame. Remove the C clip that holds the truck frame to the truck. Save the truck, the washer and the C clip in case you ever want to restore the hopper to original condition.
Step 2: There is a threaded boss that sticks up about .075” above the MTH truck. Set the 3/16” OD, 0.14” long tube on top of the boss. This is needed so the bottom ladder rung on the truck frame will clear the truck. Make a stack of ¼” ID washers about 0.16” high. This required four washers for the ones I used. Set the ¼” ID washers over the tube and truck boss. The washers will keep the car from wobbling from side to side when the assembly is complete. The 3/16” OD tube should protrude slightly above the washer stack.
Step 3: Place the truck frame and 1/8” ID washer over the tube. Insert and tighten the machine screw. The truck frame and ¼” ID washers should rotate freely.
Step 4: Reinstall the truck frame. The car now sits about 1/8” higher than the original (on the right). It tracks a whole lot better.
