I’m learning more about railcar trucks than ever before. I’ve always preferred plastic trucks since many postwar metal trucks I’ve owned have the sides loosen over time and become sloppy (mostly bar end but some staple end). I’m starting to rethink this stance with the poor coupler operation I’m experiencing with plastic trucks.
I bought some Lionel MPC trucks and it turns out I was sent Kline K5000 trucks made in China. The seller and I are working on a discount because the item was not as described. They don’t open and close well at all. Part of the problem, I’ve since learned, is that the plastic spring loses its tension over time. This is also true with the Lionel plastic trucks. I’ve looked through several Lionel plastic trucks I own (8701-T70, 9150-50, 9251-50 and 9550-50) and they all have plastic springs in the knuckle. They still operate smoothly IF the spring is still viable. The same cannot be said for the K5000s that stick and do not operate reliably even when the spring is good. In my search, I haven’t found a plastic Lionel truck that has a metal spring/knuckle.
Availability questions:
Are postwar trucks the only Lionel trucks with metal couplers and knuckles/springs? Are there any other brands that offer inexpensive thumbtack trucks with metal springs that operate cleanly?
Repair questions:
I’m trying to decide what to do with these crappy K5000s. Can I use postwar knuckles and springs on plastic trucks? Do many people replace their own rivets, knuckles and springs? Do I need a riveter or can the repair be completed with pliers, a hammer and a center punch to swage the rivet? I’m going to my local shop later this week but I don’t know how much they’ll charge to swap out the knuckle and spring.
Finally, for the old postwar trucks I have, once the sides become loose, is there any hope of fixing them?
Sorry for all of the questions. Thanks!
