Operating milk car accessory question.

I had a postwar version of Lionel's operating milk car on a permanent layout I had in Escondido, California in the 1980s.  It had the metal magnetic cans with the small magnets in the base of the cans and worked very well.

On my current layout, I have the modern Hood's Milk version, but it uses the plastic non-magnetic cans.  But the modern version also works very well and is probably the most popular accessory on the layout with the grand kids.  They love it.

But don't try using the old metal magnetic milk cans with the modern Lionel operating milk cars.  They jam inside the car and it has to be taken apart to get them out.  At least, that was my experience.

I'm a fan of the K-Line operating milk car.  In case you would like to see one in operation, I have attached a video of my scale Polar Express and at 7:30 you will see the milk car arrive and unload.

I have 3 Auto Milk Cars. The original 3462, the later model 2360 and the 19894 Hood milk car. They all operate well, the Grand Kids love to turn up the juice and send the milk cans flying. I have 2 platforms because the different cars eject the cans at a different level. The old milk cans with the magnet in them seem to work a little better.  They are all  made well and which ever one you get you will have fun with it!!!!

The 3462 is easy to get parts for so if you find a bargain it will be easy to repair.

I have the K-Line car and matching depot. It's pretty fantastic though very finicky to set up. The LCCA magazine, The Lion Roars, has a two part article in the Oct & Dec '08 issue. If you get the K-Line car/depot combo consider this to be essential reading! Once setup it's noticeably smoother than the Lionel version and with the depot it you can reload the car which you can't do with the Lionel version. Would be great if Lionel reintroduced this set. 

Thanks for the info, very helpful.  I need to keep an eye out for one now.

John.

M&OV:  Your cans come out nice and sedately.  I have 2 ancient 3462's, and the cans fly out (if they haven't jammed).

Sorry, I missed your post.  I enjoy the classic Lionel milk cars, but really love the smooth operation of the K-Line car. It has a nice slow moving conveyor.

quote:

But don't try using the old metal magnetic milk cans with the modern Lionel operating milk cars.  They jam inside the car and it has to be taken apart to get them out.  At least, that was my experience.

Lionel made two different milk cars in the postwar era. The 3462/3472/3482 milk cars use the metal milk cans with a magnet in the base.

The 3662 milk and 3672 Bosco cars use the plastic milk cans with a metal base.

All of the Lionel modern era operating milk cars that I have seen are based upon the 3662/3672 milk car.