Lionel operating cars on MTH Operating Track

[Anonymous]

Last year, my boys both received the reissue of the Lionel operating Coal Dump and Log Dump car's. In addition, they received a reissue of the Cattle Corale with operating car (NorthWestern).

Our layout is in MTH RealTrax and we noticed that the Lionel cars would not operate on the RealTrax operating track section. Thinking the cars were defective we had them tested on a Lionel Track section and they worked with out a problem.

After spending some time trying to figure out what the problem was, I resolved it this year... this is what I found and a few options to resolve.

Problem
1. The Lionel Track section inner rails are 1/32" higher than MTH
2. The Lionel operating cars have a recessed contact point in the shoe that allows the actuation of the car.
3. The combination of the recessed contact and the higher inner rails allows the Lionel car to operate normally on Lionel operating track.

Resolution:

Option 1: Purchase a Lionel operating track section(Lionel # 6-65530) and a RealTrax to Tubular adapter (MTH# 40-1011). Add Lionel tubular track as needed to complete siding.

Option 2: Purchase the equivelant number of MTH trucks for operating cars (don't have part # handy) and replace the Lionel trucks with the MTH style trucks (you will need the screw to attach the truck to the body of the car - Lionel uses c-clips to hold the truck to the body of the car). Note: the MTH trucks have a contact that is flush with the bottom of the shoe so it is not rececessed. Some soldering is required.

What I like about the MTH Trucks is that they are more detailed and realistic than Lionel. The MTH trucks have springs and a coupler actuator that is smoother.

[lionel2341]

A simple fix would be to add a small dimple of solder to the shoe contacts, works like a charm, and prevents further expense.

Ernie