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On a related thread Remove of Lionel Thumbtacks

IRISH RIFLE posted:

The new trucks and thump-tack couplers sure are horrible. The good news going forward, however, after talking to Ryan Kunkle at the Amherst Train Show, is that Lionel recognizes the mistake they made and will return to their die-cast sprung trucks and couplers with hidden uncoupling tabs, although it will likely be a gradual transition. The first step we will see will be with the freight-sounds PS-1 Boxcars in the current catalogue, which will probably have the current trucks, but will have couplers with hidden uncoupling tabs.  Based upon that, I ordered a couple of them, the first time I have ordered any new Lionel scale rolling stock since the decision to scrap the former trucks and couplers.

This is really good news that Lionel sees the problem and is going to take action.  I am one of those collectors that is anti-thumbtack but yes, can easily overlook the large coupler.  Let's not get into one of those debates in this thread since it was pretty well debated previously in thread Lionel Going Backward with Couplers?  I returned my 2018 pre-order rolling stock that arrived with thumbtacks and spring (non-sprung) trucks.  The catalogue depicted hidden uncoupling tabs but product arrived differently.  I do like quite a bit of the 2018 and 2019 rolling stock but will pass based on the trucks.  However, I have a suggestion for Lionel that would change my entire perspective on 2018 and 2019 rolling stock purchases.

Can you say "Exchange Program?"

Now that Lionel states it will be producing the previous style trucks they should consider exchanging trucks for people that want to take the effort.  This way the newer truck still makes the 2 rail/ Kadee converter club happy, wins back the anti-thumbtack group (Lion's share), and keeps happy those that don't care or don't know.  Simply send in your 2018/2019 style thumbtack trucks and Lionel will promptly send back the replacements.  I would be even willing to foot the shipping one way.

Would any other OGR members be in support of this?  

Last edited by Steims
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While I was initially putoff by the thumb tack couplers they actually have a huge advantage over the hidden release couplers. First off, if you don't plan to use the remote uncoupling then the thumb tack can be easily removed. Secondly these couplers come is different lengths and are easily swapped out for shorter versions if you prefer close coupling. Many, like the ones on the Weaver 60' passenger cars could even be swapped out with electro couplers.

With the hidden release couplers you are stuck with the coupling distance unless you want to hack them off and replace with something else.

Rather than replace them with the hidden release types, convert all of the trucks to accept the couplers used on the new Weaver passenger releases. That would allow maximum flexibilty for all including those the prefer Kadees and those that are OK with big knuckles but want closer coupling.

Pete

 

 

I'm glad Lionel came to their senses on this one. I'm all for product enhancements, but the benefits of the thumbtacks simply didn't win out here.

As for an exchange program, I doubt Lionel will ever do anything like that. It will have to be between hobbyist. I'm sure a vocal minority will lament the loss of the current design, so all you have to do is set up deals with them to give them your thumbtacks for their hidden plate trucks. Some of them seem so rabid that you could likely talk them in to paying you in addition to the exchange!

Restoring the hidden uncoupling tab is a very positive move by Lionel. But, not mentioned in the OP is that along with the removal of the hidden uncoupling tab the couplers are no longer articulated. This has increased the derailments on my rr when backing up. The greatest offender is Lionel's 65' mill gondola. Will Lionel restore coupler articulation along with the hidden uncoupling tab? Ryan, response please.

Allan

I like the thumbtack ones as you can add a rubber band to them to keep them shut when they start popping open.  It doesn't work very well on the hidden tab ones I have that keep popping open.  Rubber band solves the problem, but still allow them to be opened by hand or remotely.  You can't do that with hidden tabs.  Plus when lining the car up with the uncoupling track the thumbtack is an easy target.

Norton posted:

While I was initially putoff by the thumb tack couplers they actually have a huge advantage over the hidden release couplers. First off, if you don't plan to use the remote uncoupling then the thumb tack can be easily removed. Secondly these couplers come is different lengths and are easily swapped out for shorter versions if you prefer close coupling. Many, like the ones on the Weaver 60' passenger cars could even be swapped out with electro couplers.

With the hidden release couplers you are stuck with the coupling distance unless you want to hack them off and replace with something else.

Rather than replace them with the hidden release types, convert all of the trucks to accept the couplers used on the new Weaver passenger releases. That would allow maximum flexibilty for all including those the prefer Kadees and those that are OK with big knuckles but want closer coupling.

Pete

 

 

Yes. I've said some similar things myself more than once here. The "hidden release trucks" ("HRT" from now on) are, in general, a red herring. Unrealistic broad-jump distances between cars, hard to reach and use tabs (makes the car move), those "hoses" which are always in the way (snip), lack of adjustment and repair possibilities.

I do avoid RS with these HRT trucks; just don't buy them. I would like to find the swapped-out "tack" trucks to upgrade the HRT cars that I do have (wonder where I put them?).

Mistake 2.0, to me.

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