Lionel set

[jolielz]

I recently found my childhood Lionel train set from the 70s. The set has not been maintained and does not work. I have found an authorized service company locally and may bring it by. The train number is 8141. The warranty card MPC number is 316266. At this point, I am trying to figure out if this set is worth investing in and saving for my children ages 6 and 2 or should we purchase a newer Lionel model for safety concerns? I foresee us having a train set for the next 15 years. I would appreciate any advice. 

[rtraincollector]

You ask I will try to give you an honest answer. 1st it may not be as bad as you think and there actually not that hard to fix but I would not take a set like that to a authorize repaior shop 1st they probably charge in the nieghbor hood of $35 an hour to service your engine. if you goto ebay and goto hobbies/toys and then modelrailroad then to o scale you then put 8181 in the search box you will find the set starting at $9.99 & $19.99 + shipping. First question what does your track look like if rusty try a green non detergent green scrubbibg pad 2nd are you sure trans former is working, 3rd try rolling the wheels on the engine ( the 4 with the siderods connected to) also those engine have a small switch for locking in one direction if its was thrown when in nuetral it could be locked in nuetral. by the way heres a link to the ebay listing

http://www.ebay.com/dsc/Lionel-/4144/i.html?_ipg=200&_sop=1&LH_TitleDesc=1&_from=R40&_nkw=8141

[arkady]

Even though it's been neglected for so long, unless there's severe corrosion on critical parts it's very likely that your locomotive can be brought back to life.

The procedures for getting it running again aren't difficult, but I get the impression from your posting that you've never done it before and aren't at all familiar with the process. If that's the case, taking it to the authorized service company you mention is probably a good idea.  It likely won't be cheap, but you seem to want the train passed on to your kids for its sentimental value, and you just can't put a price on that sort of thing.

If you're using the original track, look it over and see if it's corroded.  Fine sandpaper or Scotchbrite can be used on the surface, but never use steel wool.  Or just buy new track (it's not expensive).  And when you take the locomotive in for service, you might want to bring the transformer along for a checkup.  It's probably all right (unlikely that "safety concerns" are a factor), but again, if you're not familiar with toy trains, it won't hurt to have it looked over by an expert.  Meanwhile, you might search for some books on the topic, so you can maintain the set yourself for many more years to come.

If I were in your shoes, I'd certainly want to see my train set alive and running again, to pass along to the next generation.  It's more than just an old train set -- it's family history, tradition and memories.

[KRM]

I would have to agree with RT on this. With you children at the age they are I think you would be better off getting one of the newer Thomas sets for them to play with and they can also watch Thomas on TV on PBS so they would connect well.  You would have the fastrack and transformer that is new and can always try getting the old train to run on the new track and you would have more time to work it out. Then you could save the old and enjoy the new. My Standard Catalog of Lionel trains does not show the 8141 engine for better than $30.00 in Condition 8 and it sounds like your is in condition 3.

 Enjoy

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONEL-TRAIN-SET-8141-TRAIN-NORTHERN-PACIFIC-RAILWAY-/290807494959?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item43b57a392f

[sir james I]

The 8141 has a good motor, it shouldn't be that hard or expensive to fix if there is no neglect and just needs a tune up...And it will  run with all New Lionel as well.

[nickaix]

Is it worth investing in?

As others have said, it's not a valuable set, monetarily-speaking. But it's hard to put a number on memories. When I was a kid, I always liked it when Dad took out his old set, even after I got one of my own.

Another way to look at it is: will it be expensive to repair? Answer: probably not. There is nothing mysterious about these things, and parts should not be hard to get. You will probably not spend any more repairing this set than you would buying a new set.

[Hudson#685]

Jolietz,

Sometimes it is hard to put a monetary value on the set. Maybe a good cleaning and lube will bring the engine to life. You will be surprised. Also it will be something to pass down to your kids. Kev is right about starting with the Thomas set. Kids do like Thomas and it may be a good way to help them into the hobby. Then integrate your set, maybe 2 simple loops, yours inside of Thomas. The main thing is to let them enjoy themselves.

John

[LL675]

When Dad gave me his Lionels, his 6110 steam engine didn't run. This engine is comparable to your 8141. The first shop I took it too said it wasn't worth bothering with.  Money wise, I'd agree. But this was Dad's train, and it was worth it to me. Then Dad found Dean at Brausser's (Train dealer in Michigan). Dean went over the 6110, and for less than $50 he not only had it looking new, it runs great. Well worth the $ to me. This hobby isn't always about the almighty buck. Even though i have over 20 other steam engines, I still get a smile out of running Dad's.

[rtraincollector]

LL675

When Dad gave me his Lionels, his 6110 steam engine didn't run. This engine is comparable to your 8141. The first shop I took it too said it wasn't worth bothering with.  Money wise, I'd agree. But this was Dad's train, and it was worth it to me. Then Dad found Dean at Brausser's (Train dealer in Michigan). Dean went over the 6110, and for less than $50 he not only had it looking new, it runs great. Well worth the $ to me. This hobby isn't always about the almighty buck. Even though i have over 20 other steam engines, I still get a smile out of running Dad's.

Let me add a comment to this I 100% agree as I had to back in the late 80's sell all my trains as the circumstances I was in I had nowhere to keep them so the trains my father bought for us are gone I tried buying a exact engine but its not the same so if you can you may want to get it cleaned and fixed

[ADCX Rob]

LL675

When Dad gave me his Lionels, his 6110 steam engine didn't run. This engine is comparable to your 8141. The first shop I took it too said it wasn't worth bothering with...

Despite looking like similar locos, the 8141 has a vastly better motor than the 6110 and is likely in need of only cleaning & lube to get it running like new.

[RockIsland52]

jolielz

I recently found my childhood Lionel train set from the 70s. The set has not been maintained and does not work. I have found an authorized service company locally and may bring it by. The train number is 8141. The warranty card MPC number is 316266. At this point, I am trying to figure out if this set is worth investing in and saving for my children ages 6 and 2 or should we purchase a newer Lionel model for safety concerns? I foresee us having a train set for the next 15 years. I would appreciate any advice. 

JOLIELZ......Only you can decide if your set is worth investing money in.  I agree with the others:  market value and the nostalgic value to you are entirely different things.  If it is the latter, then your childhood train will will give you far more pleasure for decades to come than anything you could go out and buy new. 

I was in your shoes about a quarter century ago when my kids were young.  I got the bright idea to resurrect my childhood trains that had been improperly stored for a long time at my Dad's house..  It was about this time of year, and I wanted to have a simple loop up and running for Christmas, resurrect a holiday tradition my Dad had begun back in 1955 when he gave me my first train.. 

Strapped for time, I decided to drop off my first engine and the transformer at my Lionel store and let them get them in working order while I monkeyed around with the simpler stuff.  Like tackling the cleaning and lubricating of the cars and track.  The cars were no problem, but the track was in pretty bad shape.  So I bought new track, just enough for the Christmas festivities.  With the advice and help of my train store guys, I was up and running for about $50.  And it was MY TRAIN, not something newer or fancier.

Is your 6 year old too young?  I was 4 and didn't destroy anything or electrocute myself.  Parental supervision has fantastic side benefits:  quality fun time with the kids, time they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives.  Just as my kids had reacted a quarter century ago, when I introduced my grandchildren to the trains, it was the one thing that was certain to make them quickly dismiss the TV, electronic games, and virtually everything else.......for hours. 

If you are uncertain of what direction to take, don't delay.  Read this link (below) to help you decide if you can take this on yourself or if you should "delegate" some of it to your train guys.  If you act quickly enough, the train guys can have you up and running for Christmas.  They get busy this time of year with others who have the same plan as you.  So act now!!!!

http://ctt.trains.com/Collecting/Restoration%20and%20Repair/2009/03/Get%20your%20toy%20trains%20ready%20for%20the%20holidays.aspx

Go for it!!!!  You won't regret it!!!!  Your wife may regret losing some space under the tree and the dog/cat may see the train as a threat.  But those minor details can be worked out.

Jack

[cwburfle]

IMHO, while fixing up your childhood trains (locomotive and cars) is the way to go, I recommend replacing rusty track, as RockIsland62 did. Trains just won't run properly on bad track.  There is nothing wrong with your 8141 locomotive. It does not have all the bells and whistles of today's locomotives, but once serviced, it should run fine. If your child enjoys the trains, you could always add to the set.