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Marklin L&N DIXIE LINE AMERICAN GONDOLA WAGON 39099
The above vehicle is a 3 rail version and my line is 2 rail. Therefore I assume it needs to have the wheels or trucks changed but I don't know what size wheel or type of truck. As I also need to change the couplings for Kadee's as well, it would seem to me that changing the trucks makes more sense. Help please, thank you.
I'm sure others can provide more detailed information but if it is 3 rail you will need to install a dc motor. You will probably have to change out the wheels also because the insulation is probably different for 3 rail. Good luck.

Tom
The standard for freight car wheels is 33". (9.625mm) But there are others.
I can't advise about Marklin trucks as I don't have any. You may be able to get the axles out. If the trucks are cast metal then metal wheels may be a problem (if you don't break the truck in the process).
I would probably go for a nice plastic replacement, if there is a suitable match.
The ideal coupling solution is to mount them under the floor, especially if all your other couplings are body mounts. I think Kadee makes (they used to) trucks with couplings mounted.

(Tom: I think it's just a gondola, not a loco.)
Yes,it's a gondola. I didn't know about Kadee fitted trucks. The couplings are fitted to the trucks. It's an avenue Il look into. Thanks for that.
:oops:

Tom
Wouldn't worry about it Tom. We're all entitled to a senior moment.
I was in the LHS today. Kadee make trucks with coupler mounts, but I didn't see any Bettendorf, just arch bar and something else. (my senior moment!)
I haven't actually got the gondola yet. I'm basing what I know on photo's of it. Had a look round for trucks with couplers on this side with no luck so will probably have to get M/O from the States. Ouch. Postal charges are a killer.
I've now got a set of Kadee 502 trucks with couplings. Whilst fitting the trucks to the wagons isn't a problem, fitting the couplings to the trucks is proving a real pain. Assembling the coupler is easy enough,but when fixing it to the truck it appears that the screws supplied aren't long enough. Am I doing something wrong or is there a trick I don't know of. Thank you.