I want to get log dump cars. What I can't seem to be able to determine is which make/model returns the dumper to the down position automatically. The only one I have seen literature about that says it does return is the K-Line version that uses it's own remote.
Are there any others that do this? I am looking at the Lionel 6-26749 Alaska log dump car. It needs to be ARR.
Thanks.
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The ones like the older PW ones with the solenoid drop back, the models like you have indicated don't as they are strictly mechanical latches, the magnet on the uncoupling track unlatches it and it dumps the logs. You have to manually latch them down to reload them.
The K-Line with the remote is a motor driven unit that can return the carriage down.
I've found that the MTH log cars, with their motorized mechanism, have an extremely realistic, slow motion dump cycle. They operate smoothly and return to the down position.
However, they do not operate using a magnet to pull down a plunger. Rather, they utilize an operating track (Lionel, Gargraves, etc.) or operating rails (Super O , Atlas, etc.) and the button must be held down through the entire cycle (a few seconds).
I use them with their plastic logs to dump into a K-Line trackside bin. However, they can also be used with the Lionel wooden (dowel-type) logs to dump into a Lionel plastic bin, or one of the Lionel log accessories, such as the 164 or 364 log loaders.
I have both - The postwar style that John mentioned and the MTH unit that Barry mentioned. Both are very good and return to the down position automatically. The Postwar style is a fast action that is more "toy like" in movement. The MTH is a slow, ratcheting style that is more realistic.
Both use an operating track section for actuation.
Great! Now, if only MTH has an ARR log dumper. Off to search.
Thanks gents.
I am sure my grandson will thank you, too.
The MTH is a slow, ratcheting style that is more realistic...
No ratcheting on these - they are on a motor driven smooth cam. The cam has a couple of lobes toward the end of the cycle to "shake" lazy logs(or coal, etc. on the dump bin cars) before retreating to the down position.
I have the MTH log dump, which is nice and smooth. I made my own "logs" out of privit hedge stems, to avoid the plastic look.
Does the MTH premier(20-98326) from around 2002, which describes the shaker mechanism and RailKing from 2011(30-79311)(I believe), use the same mechanism?
I don't know much about the log dumpers and less about MTH cars. I am a Lionel guy, but I'll have to succumb on this one.
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