What replacement freight car trucks are available for Weaver 3-rail boxcars? Did MTH ever make these> If so what MTH part number? I have a few Weaver bodies that need trucks/couplers.
Thanks.
Walter
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@Walter Matuch, MTH does offer replacement 3-rail die-cast trucks for Weaver cars. The MTH product #’s are:
20-89022 Bettendorf
20-89023 Roller Bearing
cnj #1601...appreciate fast reply. Will look for them at local dealers and if no luck will order online from Forum dealer. By the way, these trucks will be going on Weaver CNJ boxcars!
US Mail and express loading getting heavy from Art Color and need more headend cars!
Thanks again.
Walter
There are Weaver diecast sprung trucks, both friction and roller bearing, available on eBay. I just got a bunch of them to replace their plastic predecessors. They’re not cheap but they don’t require modification to car centerplates or bolsters.
I needed a pair for a Weaver hopper. The Lionscale line is the old Weaver line. I went with these.
I do run Kadee’s on everything. If you run 3 rail couplers I kind of like the Lionel version. One screw removes the coupler. It also rolls really well and the wheels have a flat profile. I like the fact that the coupler is secured to the truck itself. It’s a little more clunky looking than the Weaver with what I’m guessing is mounting holes for a pickup roller. I was never a fan of the Weaver setup where the coupler was secured with the truck mounting screw. The screw has to be adjusted just right for the coupler to pivot and not allowing the coupler to droop downward. But I understand it was developed so it was easier to offer a 2 rail version also that could share the same truck frame.
Running Kadee’s. The Weaver truck allows for the car to sit lower and I prefer them. If you need a little clearance you can do it with washers. As far as pricing. Provided Lionel does their half price sale in the fall. If you need a few and can wait it out. $14.00 a pair is a pretty good price.
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Dave C...is it 1 truck or a pair/ Lionel Parts only shows a photo of 1 truck.
Walter
@RMT - Ready Made Trains posted:Dave C...is it 1 truck or a pair/ Lionel Parts only shows a photo of 1 truck.
Walter
That’s for one truck Walt, ….
Pat
$14.00 is for One truck. So it’s right in line price wise with the MTH or Weaver’s selling as a pair. I mentioned the half price sale would be a good time if you weren’t in a hurry for more than a few. It’s a ways off though and no guarantee they will offer it. I only looked for the Bettendorf ones. Just do a search on Lionel’s site by using Lionscale and what they offer should pop up.
Really.... You couldnt find these on our website?
https://www.publicdeliverytrac...rucks-couplers-pair/
https://www.publicdeliverytrac...rucks-couplers-pair/
We have the plastic trucks/couplers here too.
With the help of Don K. (“rail” here on the Forum), I purchased a bulk quantity of 3-rail die-cast trucks and couplers from Joe H. as he was closing down Weaver and selling off his inventory.
I gambled a bit, figuring they would become tough to find and/or the price to acquire them would increase. Based on what I paid for them—and what they’re selling for now—it was probably one of the better decisions I’ve made related to this hobby…and believe me, I made some poor ones…LOL!
I’ve used them on many freight car projects over the past several years and still have a good-sized stash remaining. They work great on the “old” Atlas cars that came with plastic trucks, wheels and couplers…and obviously as an upgrade on Weaver cars with plastic trucks and couplers.
