Most of the post war stuff should be repairable, even the diesel engines, for not too much money for parts. If you get somebody to do the work for you that is when things get costly.
What are the numbers on the locomotives and what type, diesel or steam?
There is one post war steam loco that I stay way from and that is the # 235 scout engine, an 027 steam loco. The center rollers wear out and are extremely difficult to replace, also the brushes in the motor area have given me excessive problems when it comes to maintaning them.
Lee F.
The only pre/postwar locos that I have seen that couldn't easily be repaired are the ones that have extensive rust or corrosion. Even the locos with heavy rust or corrosion can usually be brought back to life as a restoration.
Earl
sanduskyMostly concerned with 671/2020/681 turbines, less so with the 600-series switchers. Current roster: #2365 C&O geep, #211 Texas Special Alco AA, #218 (I think) ATSF Alco AA, #60 Trolley Thx- Mike
I think I can answer your Trolley question at least. The #60 trolley uses the same drive mechanism as the Gang Car, the US Army Switcher and many other "motorized units." Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Alco AAs are powered by the same drive train as the #6220 Santa Fe Switcher.
In either case, the mechanisms are simple, extremely rugged and should be good to go after a cleaning and re-lubricating -- unless they've been seriously damaged in some way.
Lionel built'em to last in the Fifties.
My experience has been that the greatest internal damage is done by failure to lubricate the bearings and gears. I have seen engines with a lot of wear on the pickup roller that were fine, and conversely, I have an Army switcher that had the top bearing worn out in the motor. I made a plastic bushing for the motor and it is still running.
I have a number of post war locos and have only seen one with serious damage. This was a 671 that had a lot of miles on it, and the motor had not been lubed. One motor bearing was worn out, and the field coil had been hot, so I just replaced the motor. I bought the engine for $25 at a hobby shop, and I think the motor cost about $40.
Bruce Baker
arkadyI think I can answer your Trolley question at least. The #60 trolley uses the same drive mechanism as the Gang Car, the US Army Switcher and many other "motorized units." Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Alco AAs are powered by the same drive train as the #6220 Santa Fe Switcher.
The gang car uses a different chassis than the switcher. The switcher and trolley use the same base casting, but the gearing is different. The early alcos and early switchers, such as the 6220 used the same motors.Later alcos and later switchers use different motors than the early ones. They are very similar motors to each other, but they are not identical, because the coupler mounts are different.
While the original poster's trains should be serviced before being returned to use, those trains were built to last, and are unlikely to be at end-of-life.
Mike,
I have found that most of the Post War Lionel that I have recently purchased seems to have been "seasonally used" and stored for a while. A good cleaning and lubing seems to do the trick. I have found a few bad wires that I have replaced. I have found that most parts that I have replaced have been reasonable but shop first. Prices vary.
John
cwburfle The gang car uses a different chassis than the switcher. The switcher and trolley use the same base casting, but the gearing is different.
The gang car uses a different chassis than the switcher. The switcher and trolley use the same base casting, but the gearing is different.
Looks like I was wrong on that one. Thanks for the information.
I never had a problem with the S-2's. Even with my 671 (1946 model) It was rough but a little time and cleaning she runs smooth. You just can't kill them. Even the 736 Berks. My Pop got one that just horrible. Looked like it was never cleaned or lubed since the factory. Cleaned her up and replaced some bad wires. She runs like a champ. Unless they were thrown down a flight of steps postwar engines can take a beaten.
PhilaKnight Unless they were thrown down a flight of steps postwar engines can take a beaten.
They would probably run fine.
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