Lionel Mecury Capsule Car String Question

I think you are describing the 6-3413 pw car. There is a string that attaches to the parachute and the capsule.

here is the part number. check out brasseur, others may have it as well--pricey part

I don't know if this is of much help, but the pictures on this link seem to show a string that is affixed to the base of the launcher, and the other end tied around the nozzle of the rocket.

http://www.collector-modeltrai...log_item/MT-0245535/

Actually the original PW version instructions indicate the string should be tied to the base of the rocket and the other end tied to the railing of the car (that's one of the reasons the railings broke). The idea was the string would stop the rocket base and jerk the base away from the capsule. You can see it on the old commercial on youtube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...&feature=related

I don't have mine where I can get to it right now but I recall instead of tying the string to the rail which could brake, I tied it to the platform under the rail (less brakable). Works: body in motion stays in motion; the rocket tube stops capsule keeps going. The launcher would also brake on these as I recall.  

Redball

You guys are just so great, the string attached to the rocket did the trick and I attached the other end of the string to the platform so as to not break the railings.

It all happens pretty fast but with a high speed camera and really good camera angles it would look just like the one in the commercial. I am experimenting now with different lengths of string to see what gives the best effect.

Thanks again for such a powerful knowledge base, I do appreciate it. What a great group of people to take time out of thier lives to answere questions like this.

The capsule is obviously a prototype. You can see how the features were inked on.