I have received a Lionel standard 392e set for christmas, the one my father set up twice in my lifetime. It is missing some parts and has lots of wear and tear (he played with it as a boy.). I have ordered a restoration book and cd's but is there any manuel or information system that is good at explaining how to restore for the beginner? I want to make this as pretty and functional as possible as the kids really love to watch trains.
First are you sure you want to restore it? After all your dad put those scratches on it! Something can be restored many times but it is only original once.
That is true, I vote keep it original, just like your father had it. All my standard trains are original with no repaints. They may look unpleasing to the eye, but at least they are 100% original and unchanged for 80+ years. That is hard to come by these days. Just an opinion. The 392E is a great loco and is one of the better ones, next to the 400E. Maybe take it to an authorized lionel service station or hobby shop and see if they can lube and oil her up and get her running again. Should be something simple, like an e-unit or wiring. Fresh bulbs would help. Cleaning also, but watch the paint. Thanks.
I have seriously thought about it. I need to replace some missing parts (flags, handrail holders, # plate, front and rear guide wheels, bulbs and other little stuff) but I doubt you can even find similar paint anymore. I'm planning to take it apart, clean and lube and start replacing all the little stuff. The cars need some new wheels and little pieces as well. This will be a good education as I have just purchased 2 390 sets in boxes for later in life.
I have checked several websites and am starting to get a good idea whats out there. Is there anyone that you all know of that specialize in the little pieces? Like I say, I have lots of little stuff wrong with it.
I will offer my services for the little parts. i work hand in hand with Vic Panza of Toy Train Restoration Parts. You can email me at whitejettacoupe@yahoo.com or Vic at vicpanza@gmail.com. We can service and repair it for you or provide you with the guidance you need. No strings attached i just enjoy it its a hobby. Also try jeff@ttender.com absolutely bar none the best service you will get from a parts dealer and he will not sell you worthless junk that doesnt fit. Handrails and stanchions are easy. As long as the die castings are good i would highly rec. keeping her original. There are too many amateur restorations out there that look like moose dung and gun metal paint is extremely difficult to lay down with an original look. Here is a pic of an original 255E with replaced die castings. The boiler is original. This is the gunmetal we have. Nice stuff. Let us know.
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