Need help with cattle car and stockyard set

arkady,

                I agree with you on that.  I've worked on both the 1949 model (serviced 3) and the 1950 model (serviced 8), and the 1950 redesign is probably the source of those negative comments.  The simplified method of mounting the platform with adhesive washers didn't hold up through the years like the 1949 model's more complicated grommeted tip method did.  The adhesive wahers either harden or disintegrate.

If exact reproductions were available, that wouldn't be an issue.  I never could find reproductions of the 3656-17 washers for the car or 3656-169 washers for the corral that gave the performance I was after.  I made my own washers from mousepads available at an office supply or computer store and an ordinary 1/4" hole punch. 

Cattle are another factor.  Originals that are pliable, have a base that is flat and not warped, and have all fingers intact are the best.  Beware of reproductions here.  Some of the repro cattle work great, and some don't work at all.  Here is how I tell the difference between the good and bad reproductions:

Overall Size:  The reproductions that function properly are the same size as the originals.  Avoid reproductions that are smaller.

Fingers:  The reproductions that work properly have all fingers present, and the front finger points back as it should.  The bad repros are missing a finger on the figure's left side, and the front finger is angled forward, opposite of what it should be.

Smell:  I know, this sounds really strange.  Smelling the cattle will help you tell original from reproductions.  The rubber that Lionel used for the cattle has a very distinct odor, which all repros lack .