I’ve got a tanker car jumping the tracks on (a few)turnouts. I know part of the problem is probably the turnouts in question; but the tank car itself is really light, which is probably contributing.
So how do I add weight to a tank car?
fyi - the tank car is the walthers 23,000 gallon funnel flow.
-frank
In general I have added weight to tankers by gluing lead shot or other type weight to the bottom of the tank on the inside. I am not familiar with that particulr model so not sure if the inside of the tank is accessible.
I do not have that tanker, but the ones I do have are nicely weighted by aquarium rocks inside the tank itself. Works nicely and I had them lying around so it was free.
If, by chance, it was made in China there is a good chance it already has lead in it…
If there’s an opening in the dome, you might try pouring tiny lead beads into the car.
I have an Atlas tank car that should be very similar to the Walther’s product. In the bottom of mine are two deep screw holes. Remove the screws and the tank should come apart.
Drill a 1/4" hole in the bottom of the tank and add lead shot until you have the desired weight. If you wish to stop the shot from rolling around add some Elmers or like make glue and shake the car to mix the glue and shot. The mixture should settle to the bottom of the tank. IT may take a few days for the glue to dry. Do not use glue that will attack the plastic shell. Acc, Ambroid, or solvent type glues are a no-no.
Frank,
Seconding Ned’s response to drill a hole and add BB’s or lead shot. I’ve had this car as a kit from its original release. The basic construction has the tank molded as left and right halves. There is no practical way to break into the car, once assembled. That leaves you with the difficult challenge of concealing or repairing a hole in a frame-less tank car. I probably would drill the hole in the bottom, close to one of the bolsters. the presence of the trucks will help conceal the inevitable patch you will have to plug that hole with.
Good Luck!
That’s a great idea, Thanks!
-frank
Don’t forget that if you add too much weight, that since it’s tank car you can just fill it with helium [:-^]