Lionel New Thumbtack Truck Exchange Program

While I was initially putoff by the thumb tack couplers they actually have a huge advantage over the hidden release couplers. First off, if you don't plan to use the remote uncoupling then the thumb tack can be easily removed. Secondly these couplers come is different lengths and are easily swapped out for shorter versions if you prefer close coupling. Many, like the ones on the Weaver 60' passenger cars could even be swapped out with electro couplers.

With the hidden release couplers you are stuck with the coupling distance unless you want to hack them off and replace with something else.

Rather than replace them with the hidden release types, convert all of the trucks to accept the couplers used on the new Weaver passenger releases. That would allow maximum flexibilty for all including those the prefer Kadees and those that are OK with big knuckles but want closer coupling.

Pete

I'm glad Lionel came to their senses on this one. I'm all for product enhancements, but the benefits of the thumbtacks simply didn't win out here.

As for an exchange program, I doubt Lionel will ever do anything like that. It will have to be between hobbyist. I'm sure a vocal minority will lament the loss of the current design, so all you have to do is set up deals with them to give them your thumbtacks for their hidden plate trucks. Some of them seem so rabid that you could likely talk them in to paying you in addition to the exchange!

Restoring the hidden uncoupling tab is a very positive move by Lionel. But, not mentioned in the OP is that along with the removal of the hidden uncoupling tab the couplers are no longer articulated. This has increased the derailments on my rr when backing up. The greatest offender is Lionel's 65' mill gondola. Will Lionel restore coupler articulation along with the hidden uncoupling tab? Ryan, response please.

Allan

I like the thumbtack ones as you can add a rubber band to them to keep them shut when they start popping open.  It doesn't work very well on the hidden tab ones I have that keep popping open.  Rubber band solves the problem, but still allow them to be opened by hand or remotely.  You can't do that with hidden tabs.  Plus when lining the car up with the uncoupling track the thumbtack is an easy target.

Norton posted:

While I was initially putoff by the thumb tack couplers they actually have a huge advantage over the hidden release couplers. First off, if you don't plan to use the remote uncoupling then the thumb tack can be easily removed. Secondly these couplers come is different lengths and are easily swapped out for shorter versions if you prefer close coupling. Many, like the ones on the Weaver 60' passenger cars could even be swapped out with electro couplers.

With the hidden release couplers you are stuck with the coupling distance unless you want to hack them off and replace with something else.

Rather than replace them with the hidden release types, convert all of the trucks to accept the couplers used on the new Weaver passenger releases. That would allow maximum flexibilty for all including those the prefer Kadees and those that are OK with big knuckles but want closer coupling.

Pete

 

 

Yes. I've said some similar things myself more than once here. The "hidden release trucks" ("HRT" from now on) are, in general, a red herring. Unrealistic broad-jump distances between cars, hard to reach and use tabs (makes the car move), those "hoses" which are always in the way (snip), lack of adjustment and repair possibilities.

I do avoid RS with these HRT trucks; just don't buy them. I would like to find the swapped-out "tack" trucks to upgrade the HRT cars that I do have (wonder where I put them?).

Mistake 2.0, to me.