Can anyone tell me if the reproduction Lionel 445 switch towers work differently than did the original post war versions?
As I recall, on the original, the man was always out on the balcony and when activated, he went inside and then the other “he” went down the stairs. My understanding is that this was meant to simulate the man seeing the train coming, going inside and then down the stairs to deliver train orders or whatever.
Is that correct or is recollection faulty?
I have the origional 445 switchtower and you are correct. I am not familiar with the repro so I can't comment on modifiying it.
Your recollection is correct, but there are (at least) two reproductions.
The 2324 ('84-'87) operates the same way as the 445 via a solenoid. A lever pulls the man on the balcony into the tower, and the man on the stairs descends on a string.
The 12917 ('96) has a completely different mechanism, using a DC motor and gearbox. A door (not present on earlier versions) opens and a man without a jacket emerges onto the balcony. A second man with a jacket descends the stairs on a lever. These changes were intended to make the operation more reliable, but that doesn't explain why the action of the "balcony" man is reversed.
In between the two reproductions, Lionel introduced the 12768 burning switch tower ('90), which operated the same way as the 445/2324, but included smoke and flickering light. When the button was pressed, the "balcony" man (Hector) went into the burning building - not a good idea! I suspect the action was reversed to make Hector respond in a more logical fashion (despite his obvious panic). I think subsequent re-issues of the burning switch have Hector going out onto the balcony.
You can see exploded-view drawings for both the 2324 and 12917 at lionel.com. Even if you could modify your switch tower, it probably would be easier to get a 445 or 2324. Alternately, you could acknowledge the power of your tower operators' union and accept a two-man staff.
Looking for advice! My Lionel 445 switch tower looks to be in mint condition but the switchman won't retract back up the stairs when the power is off. I don't see anywhere to lubricate; it's as though the sping isn't strong enough. Any suggestions?
Sometimes the string cuts into the plastic house this will cause a snag or drag on the little man. Check that out.
You can put an eyelet where the string goes in if it's cutting the plastic, that fixed mine.
My guy goes down the stairs and stays there (and the guy upstairs opens the door and goes out). How do they retract? I don's see a string or anything else that would pull the guy back up the stairs.
I have model 6-12917. I inherited the trains, just testing, did a google search and found this forum.
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