Lionel 445 Watch Tower Question

[jjm]

Recently bought a Lionel 445 Watch Tower. Replaced a few parts, and it seems to work fine except for one problem. When the plunger is energized, the guy on the balconey comes out fine, but the figure on the steps does not descend. The cord is ok. It moves freely. But the metal piece that the figure rides on seems to bind a bit. Not badly, but enough to hold him up. Any ideas? Thanks.

[dennyblock]

I just rebuilt one myself, you need really soft and plyable string or it drags through the wall. Make sure the side stairs are smooth with no nicks to cause drag. I waxed the edge of the stairs and had to adjust the bracket under the man.Try sliding the man down without the string tied to him to see if its the string or the slide bracket stopping him.

[cwburfle]

It is very common for the string to bind where it passes though the side of the building. As the toy is used, the string will acutally wear a little slot into the edge of the hole it passes through. It does not take much for the binding to start.

 The best fix is to find a little brass eyelet that will just slip tightly into the hole. You will need to disconnect and re-string the 445 to install it. Put it in  from the outside, so the rolled edge of the eyelet is on that side. Don't try to roll the inslde of the eyelet It will be fine just the way it is.

 I wish I had a part number for you. If I have a moment, I'll take a look and see if I can figure it out.

[jjm]

Thanks for these suggestions.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor is In ! I see you have a minor problem, permit me to assist. The eyelet is part# 259E-18 That should help your problem. I am also repairing a 445 tower, I have to get a few parts. Any good parts supplier should be of help to you on this.

Till My Next Missive, I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor!!!!

[cwburfle]

According to my favorite parts dealer's listing, 259E-18 is the eyelet that goes in the the lever.

I checked the Lionel Service manual, and it is indeed the correct part number for the eyelet that can be inserrted into the side of the building.

[jjm]

Thanks for all the ideas. I was trying to avoid using a lubricant that might get dirty over time. Someone suggested using graphite instead. That did the trick.