Has anyone been able to successfully replace the wheel trucks on Menards rolling stock? Is there anything compatible or that can be tailored from what Lionel, MTH, or Atlas offer? I sent an e-mail to Menrads but have heard nothing. The Menards wheel trucks are admittedly not the best, but igf I could simply replace the with something better it would be great.
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I replaced them with Lionel trucks. The hole diameter doesn't match the Lionel truck screw but I just used a washer to make it work. So far so good. The right solution would be to use a bushing but I didn't have the time when I changed them over. I was in a hurry.
Hi howardih, I'm guessing that the Menards trucks the wheels are too narrow and have trouble with switches and railroad crossings, etc.
I replaced the trucks on my 5 Menards box cars with Lionel Die Cast Sprung Trucks 2 pack PN # 6-14078. I was lucky enough to find some at a great price at a model train show. The two pack isn't cheap (list price $23.99), more than a Menards Box car, so shop around online. These fit the Menards box cars without any modification. The cars ride much better with the sprung trucks. The springs on the Menards trucks don't function.
@WesternPacific2217 posted:......The two pack isn't cheap (list price $23.99), more than a Menards Box car, so shop around online. These fit the Menards box cars without any modification.
And sometimes if you shop around on the Bay or at shows you can find MPC-era and later Lionel cars with diecast trucks that are cheaper than buying the new trucks by themselves. I've done that, and just removed the trucks.
It would be my opinion that you buy quality equipment from MTH/ Atlas or Lionel and do it right to begin with. Nick
Sometimes you can get small shoulder washers at a hardware store or a electrical supply store.
I am happy to report that yesterday I received and installed the Lionel trucks that you all were kind enough to suggest. They are working beautifully and the springs are functioning really well. I know this ultimately increases the price of the original Menards rolling stock and it would be nice if Menards upgraded their trucks. Still, the look of some of these Menards cars is pleasing enough for me to continue to buy them, even if my ultimate cost winds up not all that different from other products. And remember that the new lots of rolling stock from the "Big 3" have gone up in price substantially. Thanks again to those who made such a wonderful suggestion.
I'm with rockstars: just buy quality freight cars with sprung metal trucks to begin with. I've had a couple of Menards cars, but ended up getting rid of them. Menards freight cars are inexpensive and an attractive way to build up your freight car inventory. They do have great shells and graphics. But having to replace the trucks later just adds to their cost. I guess it all depends on what you want.