Looking for a Postwar Lionel F3 Advise

[rack776]

I have finished "rebuilding" my first Postwar Lionel engine, a 671 Turbine, I built it from 3 junkers and a bunch of used spare parts, it was a complete pain to do but the feeling of turning others trash & junk into a complete running locomotive is great.

I have been looking at some F3 & GG1 engines because I like them and are different from the other black steam engines I have.   The only thing keeping me from having one is the cost for me.

Is it cost effective to build either an F3 out of spare parts slowly over time ? I have seen lots of frames and bodies on ebay but I would like to know what parts are the hardest to find and what some ball park prices are for either project engines or parts.    Are there any years or numbers that I should stay away from?  Are the alcos a better alternitive for a beginner looking for a postwar diesel?

Any thoughts or advise is welcome.

-Jason

[Prairietype]

For some people, rebuilding/restoring Lionel trains from parts is very satisfying; it certainly has been for me. 

I've done several, and it is possible to economically rebuild from parts, but you have to execute all of your purchases with surgical precision.  If the parts are slowly purchased from a source like ebay, the shipping costs associated with many purchases will raise the overall cost of rebuild (I know this from experience).

For the most part I think I spend more than what I could have bought the same piece at a "best price".  However, my rationalization is that I have saved some junk parts from being thrown away, and my patient restoration produced a fine Lionel locomotive or car.

I know that some will chime in here and say that it is a waste of money, and that is a defensible argument.  But my counter to that is that it feels good to have rescued something and made it whole again; and a lot of myself is now personally part of the piece.

Jason: on the locomotives.  There isn't one type I would stay away from, there are some parts however that are becoming very hard to find on ebay or from other sources.  Certain O22 switch rails were hard for me to find. The channels and channel assemblies on 2500 series passenger cars are also becoming hard to find. Some ALCO power trucks can wear out in a way that they become impossible to repair.

 

 

 

 

 

[cwburfle]

Is it cost effective to build either an F3 out of spare parts slowly over time ?

If you enjoy fixing up trains, by all means proceed. However, when one looks at the cost of junkers, and the cost of parts, you will probably spend more on your rebuilt piece that buying one in good to very good condition would cost.
I still enjoy fixing up trains, but it isn't about saving money.

 

[lionelsoni]

You will need to decide whether you're going to rebuild an F3 with a horizontal or a vertical motor (although you could do both).  If you use Lionel O27 turnouts, you should probably avoid the horozontal motors, since the truck center bearings are farther apart, causing the carbodies to hit the switch machines.

[railroaded]

Just realize that rebuilding may cost more from individual parts, but if you enjoy it, then that's the factored in cost for you to practice your hobby, so you have to understand going in that it's just for you, and that to see it as an investment to make return money on in the future might be a wrong way of looking at it. Somewhat like a car. Guys that do full frame resto jobs on a '69 Camaro and then expect someone to pay top dollar for it 5 years after they loose their interest are sadly mistaken. It's still worth whatever the customer is willing to pay, not your own crazy price based on your time & money that you put in it. 

[RockIsland52]

The worth of something is measured by the payback, both quantifiable and qualifiable..  I think you like owning, running, and fixing, knowing, and appreciating the time and effort you have put into it, and what you have learned.  Then it is truly yours.  BTW, I like your project choices too.   You sound like the type that will be buried with your trains anyway, so what are a few $$$? 

Jack