Lionel 362 Barrel Loader and Barrel Car

[Anonymous]

I am going to get the Egg Nog Barrel car listed in the Lionel 2004 Vol II catalog for my Christmas layout.



I have a few questions concerning the 362 Barrel Loader (3-32996) from the Classic Trains 2000 Vol I catalog. I have sent a request to Lionel, but am not optimistic that I will get an answer.



Q1- On the website the dimensions are listed as 19” X 4 1/8” X 4”. I want to verify whether 4 1/8” is the width or height? If anyone has one set up on their layout and can tell me, I would be grateful.

Q2 - What difference, if any, is there both mechanically and operationally between this version and the original version produced in the 1950’s?

Q3 - Does the loading and unloading occur on the same track or do you have to set this up between two parallel tracks? Load on one side/unload on the other?

Q4 - Is the 362 barrel Loader worth it? Does it work well and is it fun to use or I am better off just sticking with the unloading bin whcih comes with the Barrel Car?

Thanks.

[Big_Boy_4005]

A1 I'm 99% sure 4-1/8" is the width, as generally that is the second number, and height is the third number.

A2 Unless they have found a different and cheaper way to make the thing vibrate, the mechancal difference should be none.

A3 Same track. As a matter of fact, the car in the lower photo is turned the wrong way to operate. The car needs to be moved between loading and unloading.

A4 The ramp is cool, but it's just a big version of the car. It is fun to not have to hand reload the car.

[Anonymous]

I just checked my ballel loader, the base is 4'' wide and the whole thing has 4 1/8 height.
Both the modern barrel car and barrel loader work with solonoids.
Instead of buying the modern barrel loader and car, consider a original postwar set, which are more reliable (made in US of America, not Ching Chong[;)]) and realtivly cheaper if you hunt around. In fact with hunting around, I got the POSTWAR barrel loader and car for $30. Both of them worked right out of the package.
If you buy a barrel loader, make sure the rectifer disc is free of corrosion, otherwise the loader wont vibrate properly.
The barrel car will operate good an any RCS or UCS section, but I have made a operating track out of some scrap track, with a control rail on it. Any more questions, just email me at [e-mail][:D][:D][:D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks for checking those measurements Jerry, I stand corrected. I confess I was too lazy to go downstairs and double check it myself.

Joe, if you are using this in conjunction with the Realtrax, there are a couple of things to watch out for. First, it may be necessary to shave the roadbed slightly, in order to get the ramp close enough to the car. You'll have to try it first if you decide to get a ramp. It shouldn't be a big deal. Second, is the activation of the car. I suspect that MTH makes a special Realtrax track section that can be used to activate the car. If not the modification shouldn't be too difficult.

[Anonymous]

Jerry,

Thanks for the measurement. That will help me out.

I have noticed that the PW version seems to sell for a lot less than the recent issue. As long as they operate the same, I agree with you to hunt for a used one.

Big Boy,

Good point about the RealTrax. Thanks.