I don't have any S-Helper cars but was wondering about their durability. I have some AM cars and they are nice, but they seem a little fragile. The American Flyer scale hoppers almost feel like O scale cars. They seem really rugged. Are the S-Helper cars like that?
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I don't have any S-Helper cars but was wondering about their durability. I have some AM cars and they are nice, but they seem a little fragile. The American Flyer scale hoppers almost feel like O scale cars. They seem really rugged. Are the S-Helper cars like that?
The former SHS cars are quite durable. I had a 3-bay PS2 covered hopper take a flying leap off my layout (one of the two cars in the photo, I don't remember which...) and it suffered minimal and repairable damage.
Right now, I only have one of the new MTH cars, the NASG convention reefer from 2014.
It's as well built as it's SHS predecessors, except that it appears that MTH is using a lighter ballast weight inside.
Rusty
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The only thing I would be concerned about with the S Helper/MTH cars, if you are reasonably careful with them is the trucks, some times they will come apart, if the car gets handled roughly. This does not happen often and usually it is no more than dropping a wheel set that will need to be put back into the truck.
Ray
I will add that even the Lionel/Flyer scale cylindrical hoppers may become a kit if they hit the floor. Don't ask how I know...
Rusty
Thanks for all the info guys.
Mike