Melting Tires and Train Cars

I think some later models maybe came with the sheet from the factory to try to eliminate the problem.

The particular example from the mid to late 90's that I remember as being the worst (of the models I had or observed) was the 16955 Santa Fe flat with Challenger (example here).   The Challenger had treads and every example I have ever seen had the treads pattern somewhat "melted" into the surface of the flat (or at least made a permanent mark).  Some of the worst ones (where there was never anything put between the treads and the flat body) look like the treads are actually glued down to the flatcar after all of these years.

I don't have all the cars you show above, but I did have a few of them.  The top yellow flat with red tractor I did have, and I think mine came with the plastic from the factory (or it's possible I bought it after a dealer had added it, but I'm pretty sure I don't have tire melt on that car).  The 16955 I think maybe  didn't ship with the plastic sheet, though some may have had it added by dealers or first owners once the problem was identified.  I (IMO) think this may be one of the hardest (maybe impossible) pieces from the mid 90's to find in true "mint" condition since every one I have ever seen had some level of melting.

-Dave

What about MTH flat cars that have the automobiles on them?  Ther must be over a hundred different flatcars with various types of autos.  Anyone have or know of a problem with those tires and flatcars?

Bad reaction between vinyl tires and plastic is a old issue and curse of the vintage model cat collector. 

Paint will usually keep it from happening or you can make protectors from about anything but unpainted polystyrene plastic. 

Not 1--% of model tires react to plastic so maybe MTH used the type need to not react.

Had just about all these cars when they first came out.  The first two cars issued were the 16934 flat w/ grader and 16935 flat w/ bulldozer.  If I recall correctly, the first two cars didn't have the clear plastic.  Forget exactly at what point Lionel started to add the clear plastic, but certainly some of the earlier cars in the series did have the wheel melt issues.