K-Line operating cars Questions

The K-line cars work just fine.  I have used the log dump car with the 464 Saw Mill and see no reason it wouldn't work with the 364 Lumber Loader.  I've picked up various cars off the bay.  I would stay away from the Pennsylvania Log Dump as I have had a couple that the die cast just crumbled.  Williams by Bachman offers the cars now and you can get them at Pats Trains, a forum sponsor.  Take note that the K-Line controller does not work with the Williams cars and the Williams controller does not work with the K-Line cars.  Different frequencies I believe.

The K-Line and MTH operating cars both work fine with the Lionel accessories.   Best bet to find them is on ebay or at a train show.

-Greg

Be very careful buying these. I have three where the metal is crumbling. They are only good for parts now. 

I don't have any K-Line operating cars but know that they don't work with any command control system, you must add that feature yourself, the same applies to Williams & Williams by Bachmann.

Have read on the Bachmann site that the new Bachmann remote control is supposed to work with; K-Line, Williams, and Williams by Bachmann operating cars. However the older Williams or K-Line remote works with just their respect equipment.

Lee Fritz

Spectac posted:

Be very careful buying these. I have three where the metal is crumbling. They are only good for parts now. 

Spectac, Are you speaking of the K-Line Cars?  Or both K-Line and Williams?  Both of mine were the Pennsylvania Log Dump Cars. I have several of the Log and Ballast/Coal Dump cars that don't have a problem.  I will not buy another K-Line Log Dump car.

All of my ones with issues are K-line log dump cars. I don't have any from Williams/bachman, they are newer and most likely used better metal. I have Pennsylvania, santa Fe and Kandy Kane - all log dump cars and all with varying degrees of zinc pest. I have an ore dump car that seems to be ok (Amtrak). Hope this helps. 

I have bought several K-Line freight and passenger cars over the years. The ones that gave me problems were the K-Line Heavy Weight passenger cars as the trucks literally just fell apart! I was using one when the truck gave out and shut down the track, didn't catch what was wrong at first, took me 20 minutes before I saw the truck was broken. Looked for a derailment first as that is what usually happens and not a truck assembly falling apart.

Other problems with K-Line passenger cars were the spring on the K-Line collector series passenger car(12 or 13 inch passenger car, car was red in color) broke and the light inside would flicker because of bouncing of the center roller pick-up.

Lee Fritz

Had a third failure of a K-line Pennsylvania Operating Log Dump Car K713-1891 this Christmas.  

SPECTAC, Have you had the crumbling problem with other road names than "PENNSYLVANIA"?   I am wondering if it has affected all those made for 2005!

I had one of unloading box cars where the truck just broke apart.

A couple of years ago I started buying early K-Line product.  The biggest problem with K-Line is the decision they made having product made in China.  The metal trucks look nice but I have had many crumble even when NIB.  I have had to buy a steady stream of extra cars just to act as a truck supply.  It doesn't help that some sellers will send cars while listening to parts rattle  around in the box.  I had one set come in recently with five broken trucks.  This pile is only a sample.

Does anyone know where compatible trucks can be purchased?

Especially for the operating cars?