Lionel 3854 Operating Merchandise Car - Lionel Conventional Classics Berkshire 2129WS Freight Set (6-38338)

I believe you can use the 714-188 step from the 714 scale boxcar. Jeff Kane at ttender.com shows them.

Pete

@Norton posted:

I believe you can use the 714-188 step from the 714 scale boxcar. Jeff Kane at ttender.com shows them.

Pete

Thanks Pete.  Apparently, the original 3854 Merchandise Car was entirely phenolic and the reissued 3854 has a stamped metal base.  I didn't realize this until I saw a photo this evening of the original 3854.  The steps are very similar but different enough that the steps from the phenolic car won't work on the stamped metal frame.  Hopefully, Lionel does another run of the car and the frames become available again in the near future.

I have the separate sale Merchandise car. Looking at the picture of the step for the pre war 714 they sure look similar. I would think its worth a try. The odds of Lionel reissuing that car are pretty slim and even if they do its even slimmer they will offer that part separately. When it comes to rolling stock you would be lucky to be able to get the trucks let alone any body parts.

I would suggest calling Jeff Kane with the question. He is pretty knowledgable and may know if the step will work or not.

Pete

If you have no luck locating those steps, you could always do what I did and take some steel rod, then flatten it as needed, paint black and attach that to the boxcar with very strong glue. Get enough rod to make several until you get the desired look you want.