I don't want to jump on the band wagon and complain about the Lionel trucks/couplers made in Vietnam. But rather wonder why there is no organization for 3 rails that makes recommendations as to standards.
When I was modeling in HO ( 1950's to 2005), I was a member of the NMRA. In the early years, we had dozens of different couplers from all the different manufactures: Manuta hook and loop, PFM had a weird couple from Japan, and then the strange looking coupler that was referred to as the "NMRA" type. None of these connected to each other.
Flanges on wheels were all different as well, some with very large flanges that caused issues on switches.
As a result, there was a lot of non-compatibility with engines and cars between the manufacturers, which made it frustrating for the modeler. Just like it does today in 3 rail.
Over the years, with the help of the NMRA and the support of all the manufactures, "STANDARDS" were established that recommended changes to many of these issues. As a result, todays HO manufacturers follow the "STANDARDS" for couplers, wheel flanges, height of couplers from the rails, just to name a few.
I gather there is and most likely will not be any 'STANDARD" between the various manufacturers for various reasons. Which hurts us as buyers of 3 rails products.
RAY
