Where to find trucks and catwalks for hoppers

Ray,

You might try P and D Hobby Shop for the see-thru walkways. You should also be able to pick up lots of stuff like that at the O Scale March Meet, on Saturday March 16 and Sunday the 17th.

Concerning trucks; for Hi-Rail trucks, I use Weaver die cast metal trucks. If you want to go with 2-Rail scale trucks, I like Athearn and the MTH 2-Rail trucks. Both come in either roller bearing or plain bearing styles. 

Jack

     Thanks for the info. i have an account near that store, time for a visit. I have the show on my calendar, last time I missed out.

How do you determine which truck to use? I want to replace trucks on Lionel PS-1 boxcars and scale hoppers. Do more than one kind fit? I know that some are designed for weight but I am not educated here.

Thanks again

Ray Marion

Jack

    I missed your layout tour last year also during the show. Have to plan priorities better.

Ray Marion

Ray,

Don't know if they would fit, but look here at the Atlas parts lists:

http://www.atlaso.com/parts.htm

Bob

   Thank you. This looks promising.

Ray Marion

Cutting the claw off shouldn't affect the integrity at all. They are still plenty strong for any type of use. Have you looked at the new Atlas trucks? The Bettendorf friction bearing Atlas trucks should work and look just fine if you want to replace the Lionel trucks.

Doug

     You are correct on just removing the claw. i went further and took off the rest of the coupler plates. I am going to try the atlas trucks next. I currently found a set of 70 ton roller bearing trucks to try. we will see and thanks again.

Ray Marion

Ray,

I have done the exact same thing to my Lionel freight trucks, that you did. I've never had any problems with any of them.

Jack

   My attempts modifying the trucks bent them a little. You calle dthem claptrap once and that is certainly an accurate description of what i have left.

Thanks again

Ray marion

Even if they look like this, they're strong as an ox....

I cut them with a Dremel and nothing gets bent. I personally wouldn't spend an extra $20 for Atlas trucks, the Lionel trucks are just fine.

I am staying with the Lionel trucks. it looks like the plastic roofwalks may be a solution. Its not worth adding brass and new trucks, you are correct.

Ray Marion