MTH vs. Weaver 2 bay hoppers

[mickey4479]

Setting aside the type (offset, ribbed, composite) how would you compare the quality of MTH v. Weaver.  The price for MTH is about $44.95 and a Weaver with diecast trucks is about the same.  I like the look of the MTH offset hoppers and hope I can find a blowout someday for a 6 car set.  Not likely.  I have seen K-lines for around $30 as I recall but they are diecast.  RMT has hoppers, but they appear to be semi scale offerings rather than scale and I am running scale cars.

[phillyreading]

I like MTH quality, as for Weaver I had a problem in the past with Weaver's couplers not being compatible with; Lionel or MTH or Williams or K-Line cars.  

Unless Weaver has changed something in the past nine years the only thing they are compatible with is Weaver!!  Weaver mounts their couplers to the frame instead of the trucks like Lionel and most Lionel competitors.

Lee F.

[mickey4479]

Lee: Thanks for the reply.

[trainbrain]

It's true that Weaver does mount the couplers to the frame but that hasn't stopped my cars from running with others.  They line up well with my Lionel and MTH cars.  I haven't had any problems. Mth always has the diecast trucks but Weaver has a very varied road selection.  You can find cool special run cars on Ebay, too.  I like the Weaver road selection better.

[ChiefEagles]

I like MTH quality, as for Weaver I had a problem in the past with Weaver's couplers not being compatible with; Lionel or MTH or Williams or K-Line cars.  

Unless Weaver has changed something in the past nine years the only thing they are compatible with is Weaver!!  Weaver mounts their couplers to the frame instead of the trucks like Lionel and most Lionel competitors.

Lee F.

Got some Weavers 1 1/2 years ago.  They work fine.  They are not mounted to the frame but to the trucks.

The inner loop 7 hoppers are Weaver.  BTW: I understand they are made in the USA.

 

[ChiefEagles]

Wanted to move this up.  Lee, the cars you are talking about are 0 gauge 2 Rail.  No problem with 3 Rail cars. 

[Buckeye Riveter]

I just looked at Weaver's new catalog on line, and they clearly show both frame mounted and truck mounted couplers.  In fact, they sell eletromagnetic couplers with many of their locomotives. 

Link to 2007 Weaver Catalog

[johnandjulie13]

Hello Chief:

I think that is the first picture I have seen of your layout.  Nice!  It looks like you have a direct line to the powder river basin!

Regards,

John O

[trainbrain]

The 3 rail  couplers are mounted with one screw through the truck, then the coupler arm, then the under car parts piece into the bottom frame.  So I guess it can be both!  I get some practice switching out the plastic trucks for diecast.

[phillyreading]

Chief,

I would like to differ with you on this as the Weaver cars I bought were for use with three rail or so I thought.  I bought these cars in Scranton PA near Steamtown while on vacation one summer about 11 years ago. I don't do two rail in O gauge.   

Anything I buy in Weaver any more is put on a display shelf, cuts down my agrivations with derailments.

Lee F.

 

[jefelectric]

All current production Weaver freight cars use Lionel compatable truck mounted couplers.  You can order either plastic trucks and couplers or metal trucks and couplers.  Both types of trucks have metal wheels.  I have quite a few Weaver cars and the run and couple just fine.  The only complaint that I have is that some are a little on the light side.  A few years ago there was a problem with out of gauge wheel sets.  When asked, they replaced them at no cost.  I generally buy the metal trucks and couplers, but do have some of the plastic and they have never given me any problems.  BTW all of the Weaver freight cars are made in the USA.  The passenger cars and most of the locos are imported.

If you ever get a chance to tour the plant you will find it interesting.  Neat little operation.  One guy paints every frieght car that comes out of that plant.

Just my

[ChiefEagles]

John, a lead bar from Bass Pro Shops [they have them for melting and casting your own sinkers] stuck in each car cures the liteness.

[mickey4479]

Well, I appreciate all of the discussion so far.  I was tempted to order MTH Premier 2 bay offset hoppers in the PRR livery because the ends of the cars provide an interesting look.  However, I decided to do some research on line at the PRR Historical society website and asked a few questions.  I found out that PRR only had one 2 bay offset hopper and the preferrence regarding 2 bay hoppers for PRR appears to have been the 50 ton fish belly, with later modifications as years passed.  I looked at the 2 bay fish belly hoppers offered by Mth (2007 cat'g), previous Atlas, Weaver and Inter Mountain offerings (now owned by Atlas I believe) and decided to go with the MTH Premier 6 car PRR set.  Compared to what I see on ebay, I got a pretty good deal and that included free shipping as well.  Although most of my freight rolling stock is Atlas, I have had good luck with the operation of MTH heavy weight passenger cars I have.  Of course MTH may not ship the hoppers or 2 years, but just think of the anticipation! 

[mickey4479]

Plan B.  After more research, I am going to cancel my MTH order and opt for some atlas 2 bay PRR hoppers (USRA) that are closer to those actually hauled.  I don't consider myself to be a "rivet counter" but I find the history of road I am modeling (PRR) to be so facinating that I want to be somewhat close.  Of course, in this hobby compromises have to be made based on budget and availability of product.  Anybody else in that "no mans" land?

[mickey4479]

After some research, I found some Atlas USRA 2 bay hoppers that will fit my RR.  I got 3 of the PRR cars today.  They are not as heavy as I thought they would be.  Die cast trucks, couplers, metal frame underneath but plastic sides.  They are really nice.

I ordered one of these for Pitt and Shawmut line.  (The car shown is basically the same.)

I ordered this car as well.

 

[tmcc man]

Mickey,

Nice choice. I was thinking of picking some of these up in the near future. Now all I need is a nice PRR steamer to haul them. Mom, Dad............