Lionel 21" Passenger Car Truck-Body Spacing

David,

Thanks very much--that's exactly what I needed.  I was also on the fence about the Southern cars.  I hope Lionel corrects the spacing in the future.

IC EC posted:

David,

Thanks very much--that's exactly what I needed.  I was also on the fence about the Southern cars.  I hope Lionel corrects the spacing in the future.

Not likely to happen. No doubt there will be a thread or two on how to lower them.

Does anyone have any updates?  Lionel was supposed to lower the cars.

Check out this thread.

https://ogrforum.com/...de-height-comparison

Thanks--missed that one.

The cars bodies have been lowered and the couplers shortened, but the cars will bind if you reverse them on O-72.

Those thumbtack couplers are really a giant step backward for Lionel.

Well John you have to decide, do you want your passenger cars to look good being close coupled... OR would you rather run them backwards. 

Just saying

Unfortunately with the long tunnels in my layout and far reaching track curves, I need the cars to run in both directions.  I will be returning my cars to Lionel.  I am now looking for a 25507 Southern Pacific Heavyweight 2-pack and Sound station Diner to add to my four Heavyweight cars.

For those who want real looking passenger cars on a realistic railroad, I would suggest not using 3-rail track which is NOT realistic.

If a train item doesn't run both directions, derailments will be more difficult to clean up if the cars only run one direction. 

Not to mention that the name strips are falling off my new "Southern Pacific Lines" 21" passenger cars. 

One coupler will not close on a coach. 

The Sound Station Diners rear coupler is bending upward and uncoupling without opening, 

And of course the cars bind-up running backwards and tilt to the side on O-72 curves.

Other than that, these are great cars to own, and mine will soon be available from Lionel.