When a similar phenomenon started to occur on my starter-set bobber caboose (Lionel-MPC 9078), I addressed it by slightly flattening the needlepoints of the axle with a file, then filling the worn portion of the bearing hole with a dab of epoxy to rebuild the contact surface.

---PCJ

I just found axles and wheels that the wheel spins on the axle.  they are a small amount long but a grander solved that issue.

now Thomas cars perform great.

That thing must have been around the track a lot of times. Maybe he needs some relief...

Have the same problem with a Thomas set we run at shows. I like the wheels spinning on the axle solution (picked some up at the meet yesterday). It was suggested to use J-B Weld to fill in the holes in the side frames.

Anyone have any experience with J-B Weld on this type of plastic?

Ramon

 Hollow brass rivets.

...they might be tiny shoestring grommets (?) 

I made a new bearings out of some 1/16 in dia brass tubing cut into about 1/8 inch length and inserted in hole to make bearing seat for needle point.

Charlie

Choo Choo Charlie posted:

I made a new bearings out of some 1/16 in dia brass tubing cut into about 1/8 inch length and inserted in hole to make bearing seat for needle point.

Charlie

That was my thought. Brass and stainless tubing of various diameters are available at hobby shops. Cut small lengths of tubing, drill holes in the truck sides, and insert the pieces of tubing with some glue. I don't think you need to worry about the depth of the hole - for ease, I'd just drill the hole all the way through the truck side before inserting the piece of tubing.

My reaction was the same as D500 above - those cars must have been run a whole lot of miles!

I had the same problem after two years of Christmas running only.  Contacted Lionel and they sent me the link to their parts page to buys new floors.  I like the eyelet idea.  Michaels sells an assortment for $10 with 192 of them. Smaller packages may be available elsewhere. Not a Lionel fan after their response to poor design.

Eyelet Mix/Rivets by Bead Landing™ 

Thanks for the suggestions. Thomas and friends with the freight cars just finished running for 5 long days at our Railway museum Thomas days;  plus have been on the rails in past shows many many times lots of miles. Stopped by the local hobby shop today and picked up some #3059 Tichy train group Nylon Truck Bearings, will see if I can glue these into the trucks and try them! also got some tiny brass hex nuts and will try these on a different car. Want the wheels to roll freely.