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For years we had the opposite problem- -metal/wood cars were too heavy. The older metal/wood freight car kits by Athearn, Roundhouse, et al., were heavy enough that a switch loco could handle only a five or six car lash-up through the yards. When it came to 80'-85' metal/wood passenger cars with full interiors, i.e. chairs, bathroom, lighting kit, etc.) and "super details" i.e. white metal castings for underbody, i.e., battery boxes, steam traps, brakes, generator, A.C. compressor, etc..; the little open frame Pittman D.C. 70 motors were hard pressed to shift four or five Heavyweights. Of course, this was before the RP-25 wheel sets and even then the side frames and bolsters were metal as well. Now, with styrene and acrylics' superior detailed cars there is no need for all of those "hang-on" details. However, there may be a lesson out of this. At least on Passenger Cars, the modeler might opt to add interior "super details" in metal where and if they are available. As already mentioned, loads for "open" freight cars i.e., hoppers, flats, gondolas, cattle, et al., are more easily accomodated realistically without resorting to "dead weights," coins, etc. Wherever possible, wouldn't it be better to add weight in a more creative manner? Just a thought from "left field," enjoy.
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