I have a set of Athearn’s Maxi I inermodal cars in HO. These cars lean. Any solutions? They lean even when empty.
It sounds like the truck mounting screws are not adjusted properly, assuming the trucks have screws and not just pop in type truck mounting. Click on the link below to get an idea of “three point suspension” for model railroad rolling stock.
Most probably, you would only need to pay attention to adjusting the screws. I have had to do that with rolling stock quite often.
Rich
It sounds very prototypical . I see these cars come in leaning every so ofton , in the real world it is a spring issue or a side bearing problem , but unfortunatly this won’ t help you any . If you can’t fix it you can always spot it on a RIP track .
A drill and tap for 2-56 screws should be in every railroad modelbuilder’s tool kit. I use them all the time for screws securing trucks and coupler pockets.
Mark
Here is some more info on this issue. Store the links in your favorites folder. Even if you do not use them, it may help others. In your browser, click on Edit, then Find, type in bolster, then Find next for the below link.
Below is another idea.It is a PDF document and easy to store in your PC.
Might require some thought. Consider it a learning experience.
Rich
One other possibility - check to see if the cars and the loose boxes are symmetrically weighted. If the weight has shifted off center, the car will not only develop a permanent list, it will roll over with very little provocation.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
It could even be something as simple as a bolster that is not ‘square’, or parallel with the axles, or it may have some flashing. Maybe there is some flashing under the car body, itself, and the bolster is just fine. The flashing causes the car to be forced to one side.