I have some older IHC passenger cars, with 4 wheel plastic trucks and wheels. I want to change the trucks to something better. The mounting pin is offset from the middle of the truck. I want to upgrade these cars with more weight, better trucks, lights and couplers. Can anyone recommend any particular trucks for these cars? All are 4 wheel trucks. Thanks.
IHC did make good quality metal trucks to replace the plastic ones. I. Have used them, and have been very pleased with them.
it has been a long tome since I purchased them. They might be available on eBay sometimes.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I am not sure what to recommend as a complete replacement; I just replaced the wheels with 36" metal wheel sets and replaced the couplers with Kadee #508s. Put the Truck Tuner to the axle sockets and they were good to go; after a few other modifications to the inside and painting.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
I have a train's worth of the IHC streamliners too. I got them back when IHC was still in business so I was able to order metal 28" wheels for electrical pickup to make lights work. As well as molded plastic interiors. I kept the stock trucks and added home made phosphor bronze axle wipers to pick up power. Number 8 pan head machine screws secure the trucks better than the snap on plastic pins. I tried body mount couplers, but found I had to go back to truck mount couplers to get around my 22" mainline curves. For lighting I bought light bar assemblies from Walthers which have constant brightness built in. I did the red stripe thru the windows with a rattle can.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
The cheapest way is to use Athearn stream line trucks.
Jim
Hobo,
In case cost is a factor, you can do what GPaine did and simply upgrade with metal wheel sets. The Truck Tuner is a good tool to have and not expensive. If I'm not mistaken the Rivarossi Budd cars, produced in the 1980s have the same type of trucks.
I have a batch of Rivarossi Budds. Once I installed 36" wheelsets and filled the empty pockets in the floor with BB gun pellets (coated them with white glue) the cars rolled and tracked very well and are as heavy as the Walthers units. If you decide to go with the 36" wheels you'll have to remove the brake clasps on the ends of the trucks, as they'll rub against the wheel face.
I hope this helps
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I guess I'll just replace the wheels, couplers, add weight, and maybe interiors.