Modifying the Lionel 6-19213 O-27 Spokane, Portland and Seattle double door boxcar
This model is a very basic O-27 railcar that includes a plastic body and non-sprung plastic trucks. The underframe is plain stamped sheet metal. The Lionel model was produced by Lionel Trains, Inc., Mt Clemens, Michigan. (BLT 1-89)
The Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway (SP&S) (reporting mark SPS) was a United States-based railroad incorporated in 1905. It was a joint venture by the Great Northern Railway and the Northern Pacific Railway to build a railroad along the north bank of the Columbia River. Remnants of the line are currently operated by BNSF Railway. (information obtained from WIKI)
This car is intended to be used with a Lionel SP&S 0-6-0 switcher on a small O-27 layout.
The original model is very light and metal sprung trucks could be installed for added weight. The original plastic trucks are attached with a rivet that needs to be drilled out and replaced with a 2-56 machine screw. The photos show the boxcar metal underframe before and after modifications. The plan is to next add a wooden floor and revised underframe brake detail.
Original Lionel model shown:
Original stamped metal underframe and plastic trucks.
Modified underframe with metal sprung trucks installed.
Lionel model with sprung trucks.
