Menard's Hoppers (Latest Releases)

jjames9641OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Someone just talked about this the other day and I could not find the post anyway. I have picked up 12 of the latest released hoppers, all of them have problems with the trucks hitting the body of the car. I took the truck/bracket off of the car, upon further inspection I noticed the truck bracket is pushed onto a metal stud inside the truck assembly. I took this apart and put a small washer in between the actual truck and the bracket and put back together to try to gain some more clearance between the truck and the body. Did not improve much, I was going to try to use 2 washers but the metal stud is to short for 2 washers. I know there was someone that posted on this subject and he stated he trimmed some material off of the bottom of the body for clearance. I was hoping Mark the Menard's guy or Cabinet Bob could chime in on this? The original run of hoppers did not have this issue? Now, I am not complaining just wondering what has changed or if someone has a better fix. I have no problem tinkering around with these cars to get them to operate smoothly. I look forward to more of Menard's offerings!!1

Thanks,

Jeff

12/3/1811:28 AM

❤️ 1

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

cabinet BobOGR Forum Member

I too have all 12 of the new hoppers. I have a video of them on my YOUTUBE. I was pulling all 20 of the new cars out and did have one problem with one hopper. The SOO .. I did everything you did and wound up cutting the little flange just above the truck to give it more clearance. I know you shouldn't need to do this , but it worked perfect for me.

12/3/1811:33 AM

❤️ 1

jjames9641OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Cabinet Bob, thanks for the idea! Like I said I don't mind tinkering around with them!!

Thanks, Jeff

12/3/1811:42 AM

❤️ 1

cabinet BobOGR Forum Member

Here is a side by side comparison of a lionel vs. a Menards hopper. This one came out in a Lionel set made for Menards a few years back. Notice that they are almost to a tee the same hopper. The only difference is the L brand sits a little higher off the trucks. I shaved off a little as you can see, and it worked ok on 033 track.