Lionel 164 log loader

[Papa_D]

Hi

Measured a center rail to center rail distance of 14" even on my layout that my 164 log loader sits between.  Loading and unloading works fine.  Doubt you could do less.

Papa-D

[jimsnycf3]

I believe the "originals" were bakelite plastic, not metal.

[Yog-Sothoth]

I had the modern plastic version & didn't have that much space between tracks.

So I cut off a few inches of the back with a table saw!  Works great, but I suppose it wouldn't be a great idea with the metal originals.

[wyomingscout]

lionel2

The 164 requires 15 inches between the 2 parallel tracks.  It is the same for the 97 coal loader as well.  I have the 164 and 97 and they both require 15 inches for them to properly dump the logs or coal into the cars.  Hope this helps.  They are big accessories and need the space if you have it.  Thanks.

I did that following an old Lionel booklet BEFORE I got the log loader.  I placed the track 15" apart from the two closest outside rails - not the right way to go.  i had to build an apron  11/4" out from the log loader to catch the logs dumped from the log car.  The 15" must be from center rail to center rail.

I set mine so that the logs dumped properly from the 164 onto log cars and added the apron on the other side.  I made it look like a concrete dock, so I'm happy enough with it

wyomingscout

[rha90272]

Just checked my layout.  I've got 14 7/8" center-to-center between FasTracks for the 164 log loader.  I wouldn't try closer spacing than that.

Bob A.

[lionel2]

The 164 requires 15 inches between the 2 parallel tracks.  It is the same for the 97 coal loader as well.  I have the 164 and 97 and they both require 15 inches for them to properly dump the logs or coal into the cars.  Hope this helps.  They are big accessories and need the space if you have it.  Thanks.

[MYOHTRAINS]

Hi all

I recently decided to resurrect my 0 gage lionel train set 1950 era.

I am considering purchasing a Lionel 164 log loader and am curious about how much actual room is needed between the parallel tracks to allow the loader to operate properly. I know the loader is about  1 0 and 7/8 inches deep but the diagram in the online maual shows a drawing between tracks that appears to be between 13 and 15 inches. I have 11 and 1/2 inches available.  Will the loader properly dump the logs into the waiting car with that distance?

Thanks for any info.

MYOHTRAINS