Lionel Tower Help

[traindaddy1]

Hi! One of the lights on the top of our Postwar Lionel 395 Floodlight Tower has come off its base. If we gently place it on the base, the contact is there and the light works. Looks like the original rivet snapped. Would you have a suggestion as to how we can permanently attach the light to the base? As always, many thanks.

[cwburfle]

There is no rivet. The bracket has dimples that match holes on the sides of the lights.
Ask your neighbor. :)

[traindaddy1]

Hi I'm not too good at explaining. I know about the dimples. They allow the light to go up and down. I am referring to the bottom of that bracket where the contact is made to the light structure. If you look at the tower from above, you can see that each light is attached to the end of one of the two large crossing pieces that form an X. This the connection that allows for the light to turn in a circular motion. This is the problem point. I realize that permanently attaching the bracket to that frame will no longer allow any turning but I am just asking how to do it. (Solder, tape, steel liquid glue etc) Thanks.

[cwburfle]

I'd have to look at one. I beleive it's an eyelet. A short 4-40 machine screw and nut should work there. Or perhaps a 6-32. Any hardware store should have them. Get a split lock washer too. The parts should be less than a dollar.

I don't think glue would work, because electricity has to pass from the "X" to the bracket. Few glues conduct electricity.

 

[traindaddy1]

CWBURFLE:   

That's exactly the information I was seeking. You really helped me. Thanks, so much.