It's been some time since I was last here, but boy oh boy do I have questions! Okay, not really too many, but I recently began on a caper that all started with a set of HO (yes, you read that correctly) scale decals, and has caused me to desperately hunt down Lionel F3 parts for an exiting new project. I was in a tore that sold vintage stuff, and there were a bunch of old HO scale decals. 90% of them were for the B&M, one of my favorite railroads. I bought a few, because i figured that I might as well, they were only a dollar each, though one was for my all time favorite B&M paint scheme- the one applied to the 4228 and it's sister unit. This unique, Art Deco design was supposedly influenced or brought about by McGinnis'S wife, and though Williams had already released version in O scale, there were to reasons why it would not do for me: modern 3-rail stuff just doesn't do it for me like the classic postwar and prewar does, no sounds or smells that really emulate the spirit of my favorite kind of model railroading, plus the cost is far too great for me. Finally, I had an excuse to make my own. I bought a postwar 2343 shell in rough shape, and just recently snagged an F3 frame for about $30. It uses vertical pullmor motors, with white brush plates, has a silver frame, and black trucks. Although the photos weren't perfect, and didn't cover everything, I think it is MPC based off of all the details I observed. it appeared to be lacking a reverse unit, and some wires are cut, but I shall figure something out soon enough. Did I do well on this, or more to the point, how good would such a unit be at operation? Here is a link to the listing I bought: http://www.ebay.com/itm/lionel-engine-rflint-unit-/152486878835?hash=item2380ed1e73:g:aiAAAOSw4CFY2DG~
without a shell, or look at the undercarriage, I suppose this might not be very identifiable, but it was worth a shot!
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
Somebody really hacked it up but if the motors run then you got a good deal. Most MPC power frames go for around a hundred.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
sir james I Somebody really hacked it up but if the motors run then you got a good deal. Most MPC power frames go for around a hundred.
Thanks for the quick reply, mate! I guess I have to get an E-Unit for it, unless there's one hiding somewhere in there.
If anyone knows much about how these units compare to their postwar counterparts, or which unit this chassis corresponded to, I'd really apreciate anything.
The early MPC F3s had one motor and although they ran well the 2 motor versions were much better at pulling power. About the only difference is MPC used rubber tires instead of magnets.
sir james I The early MPC F3s had one motor and although they ran well the 2 motor versions were much better at pulling power. About the only difference is MPC used rubber tires instead of magnets.
Well, guess I lucked out on finding a duel motor unit, still, no magnetraction stings a little, even if I knew it simply wasn't to be, for an MPC loco, no matter what end of the product line it was on.
I may be a bit sentimental about this, but, what about sounds? I'm very fond of the sounds and smells and such of old trains, and I'm hoping I can hear this one 'work', assuming the motors run.
My frame arrived today- shocking, it only took about 2 days- off of eBay, that's quite unusual! I made a brief video of me testing it before doing any greasing, but I made sure not to push her. I have taken care of the lubing, though I might add a tiny amount of grease to the gears, as I didn't add any after removing the gobs and gobs of factory lubricant, which, though still good, probably wasn't helping in such excessive quantities.
video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yi3hB2QbLio
It's a 8851 chassis you have there going by the black pilot. They are very strong pullers, and there is lots of room for more weight to make them even better.
Rob
Cool beans, Rob!!!
I might just have to go with some extra weight, it isn't as heavy as my 2353, which, of course, has the weighty horizontal motors.
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