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Has anyone done a truck conversion using the currently produced/sold die cast metal sprung trucks (6-49081)? Since Flyonel doesn't use the simple screw-on trucks like AM, SHS, SSA, or K-Line, I am wondering how difficult this is. None of Lionel's online materials tell you anything about using this product. Perhaps they are just replacements for the cylindrical hoppers only?

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I used a pair of these trucks as replacements for the trucks on an O-scale auto-rack car because: 1) I had them from a converted/lowered cylindrical hopper; 2) they attached easily with just a large nut and bolt through the trucks and the large hole in the Lionel auto-rack frame. The converted "S scale" auto-rack sits a little high, but it is not as bad as the cylindrical hoppers (maybe because the other dimensions such as being too short, too wide, and too tall throw the eye off accuracy). I could not find any other use for these trucks because the bolster is so high that using them on any A.C. Gilbert, American Models, Pacific Rails, SHS, or Des Plaines S Scale America freight car made it look as though it was pulling up its pants while tip-toeing through a puddle.

It's a pity because the trucks are beautifully detailed and roll extremely well. SHS/MTH trucks are just as nice and less expensive, and American Models trucks are far less expensive. All of them have great rolling properties, but I would avoid buying the Lionel versions because of the expense and lack of adaptability.

Chuck K posted:

So sounds like that's not a solution. Is there a go-by anywhere on converting flyonel rolling stock to AM trucks?  I don't see mounting parts on their website, just the trucks themselves.

There's the rub...  There used to be a company called Ace that had floors and bolsters to convert Flyer cars to scale or hirail.  Unfortunately, they're long gone.

Portlines has some remaining stuff, click on the Ace button on the left side:

http://64.251.10.24/~worldofw/...age=results-new.html

...but there's a lot of zero's on the page.  I'm not even sure the molds exist for this stuff anymore.  It's not exactly a high demand product anymore.

Rusty

Brendan posted:

Yes.  I use a lock nut and washer on the inside.  I use a nut below because I tighten the two against the frame.  A little extra insurance against it coming loose although the lock nut is probably good enough.  Also, the height is then correct for the coupler gauge.

Brendan

Thanks again Brendan.  Do you know what type/size nut you used on the underside to create the right height for the coupler? And what size screw you used to fit through the truck, perhaps a #5?  Hoping to buy the right parts up front rather than experimenting and appreciate you sharing the results of your past trials.

Brendan posted:

The nuts are #6 and are 1/8".  Are you putting scale couplers on?  If so, omit the nut spacer.

Brendan

OK. I may end up converting to scale couplers. I am buying some 802's soon to test how my SHS, AM and SSA rolling stock perform with them on my curves, esp. through an S curve that I have. But it looks like yours has a washer and a nut with a scale coupler in the photo.

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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