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Post by Mopacman on Dec 27, 2023 3:10:54 GMT
I recently purchased a Menards Dealer Pack (4 Frisco Boxcars). As recommended, I lubricated the axles before running the cars. The wheelsets were extremely loose in the side frames, to the point that the wheelsets were causing the cars to derail. I removed the truck assembly from the car, and found discovered that each sideframe is fastened on by two small screws. After tightening the side frame screws with a small phillips head screwdriver, the problem was solved. I also noticed that the boxcars are somewhat top heavy, with a noticeable amount of side to side motion when running on the track. I installed adhesive backed automotive wheel weights (2 oz. per car) on the inside of the frame under the shell in close proximity to each wheel set. That takes care of the problem.
I started purchasing Menards rolling stock last year, with the adjustments described aside, am pleased with the product. The prices are reasonable, and if a person wants basic no-frills rolling stock, they do the job.
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Post by david1 on Dec 27, 2023 3:31:16 GMT
You are right about Menards products, they are good basic freight cars at a reasonable cost. Some other things you may have to fix, most freight cars have plastic trucks and couplers. If the trucks keep opening you can use woman's hair bands used for pony tails and they are black and cheap. You can buy a 100 of them for about $1.99. The auto racks do wobble and with a little weight with washers helps. Also check out Marks Lionel trains on YouTube, he has many cures for Menards missteps.
Dave
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Post by Adam on Dec 27, 2023 11:56:46 GMT
You are right about Menards products, they are good basic freight cars at a reasonable cost. Some other things you may have to fix, most freight cars have plastic trucks and couplers. If the trucks keep opening you can use woman's hair bands used for pony tails and they are black and cheap. You can buy a 100 of them for about $1.99. The auto racks do wobble and with a little weight with washers helps. Also check out Marks Lionel trains on YouTube, he has many cures for Menards missteps. Dave I use small zip ties for the trucks when needed.
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Post by firewood on Dec 29, 2023 0:24:48 GMT
I agree. They’re worth the extra few tweaks. I did some wheelset re-gauging and shimmed the subframes on a group of hopper cars. The truck swing was interfering with the frames and steps. I haven’t had any coupler problems so far - the quirks must vary with production batches.
Dave
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