I have about 40 Athearn Spline cars with trailers mounted on them. As suggested, I added about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of weight to the floor of each trailer. The train turned out to be fairly heavy. The problem I am having is that these cars are still top heavy and occasionly they will tip over even on large raduis curves. I would like to add more weight to the cars to lower the center of gravity but am at a loss as to where to put it. There just is not any place to add weights that would not distract from the appearance of the car. If anyone has any suggestions I would certainly appreciate it.
Thank you.
I have no trouble with empty splite cars staying on the track. I think you have raised the center of gravity by putting the extra weight in the trailers. Try taking the weight back out of the trailers and see if that doesn’t improve tracking.
Despite all of the recommendations, there are some things that can’t be NMRA weight without causing problems, and these trailers are one of those cases.
I think I may try that. You are right that adding weights to the trailers did raise the center of gravity to the point that they do lean in curves and at times lay over. I am off again this weekend and I will sit at my bench and take the weights out.
Thank you.
It has been years since I assembled one of these, so I may be wrong. It seems like the spine is hollow. Have you added weight there? If you can get some lead molded into the shape of the steel weight underneath the platform that the tires sit on, you could add some weight that way.
The spline is hollow and I tried bb size split shot but it is to large. I think I may try something like a number 9 buckshot used in shotgun shells. It should just pour in the grove and then I can put the cover back on. You are also right and I had considered putting a couple of weights in between the trucks on the car and then painting them black or TTX yellow to cover them up a little. Thanks for the help.
George
One suggestion - if you’ve not already fitted metal wheels, do so - they add useful weight low down and keep the track cleaner too. Proto 28in wheelsets should fit perfectly. Hope this is of help!