The problem with the sprung trucks is a perfect example of the "law of unforseen consequences." Another example I think of is when the EPA forced Detroit to make more efficient cars, the cars became more aerodynamic. This increased the top speed significantly, like from 100 mph to 140 mph. I am sure the safety *** has a good time with this. It probably gave them a case of the vapors.
The trucks are #9550-50, and the springs are #9550-58. Both are available from parts dealers. You can first try and pull the springs out, and gently stretch them.
Larry
Actually I found the problem! The US Mail car does work but I found that the Monon is on sprung trucks and the springs have lost some of their "bounce" causing it to sit too low on the magnet. Is there anything I can do to replace or lift the trucks???
Perhaps the metal frame of the boxcar is bent slightly, allowing the plunger to sit a little too low. Or perhaps the uncoupling track section is slightly bent, allowing the elctromagnet to sit a little too high.
I'll do that however the magnet is pulling the plunger down with force but there isn't enough clearance between the plunger flange and the magnet to open the door. If I take the car off the tracks and pull on the plunger the door opens and the man moves forward as it should.
Did you reset the plunger on each car, by closing the side door of the car? If that isn't the solution, try putting a very small amount of lube oil on the plunger shafts and work the plunger up and down a few times. The less resistance, the more effectively the magnet in the uncoupler track will work.
Yep ... the same track. Is it possible to push the magnet down???
Are you using the same uncoupling tracks?I have seen some uncouplers that have the pole piece of the electromagnet sticking up slightly. If you are using uncouplers with higher pole pieces, maybe the plunger cannot move down enough.
I'm a little perplexed .... I have 2 lionel operating box cars (Monon and US Mail) both of which I've had for over 15 years. Prior to packing away the trains in 1995, I recall that these cars both worked on the magnetic track. I've been operating for a little over a year and just decided to put these cars on a siding and test them. What I don't understand is why the "plunger" is about an 1/8 of an inch off the magnet and when activated the track pulls the plunger down but not far enough to open the door. Am I missing something??
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