i know this as probably been discussed before but how do you find the ideal weight for a car?
Each car should weigh 1 ounce plus an additional 1/2 ounce per inch of car body length.
Search Google for nmra ho scale car weight like I did below. This way you will have a link/links you can save to give others who do not know they can search the 'Net.
Buy a cheap postage scale, probably at Walmart. I bought a cheap digital gram/oz scale off of ebay for about $20.00. I use it also for pouring my own car weights.
http://tinyurl.com/ydozuw5
Rich
Use pennies and thick, gooey (plastic safe) construction adhesive for weight when you can. It's the cheapest way (No pun intended.) to go.
Forgot to mention, I also use lead bird shot. I can pack a lot of that in tight places, especially in locomotives. I have done that with HO scale old time tender drive locos for more weight in the tenders. Use disposable gloves if you do not like handling lead.
Rich