Bowed Streamliner Roof

[NYCentralFan]

Hello, again, it's me, Mario.

It seems that I always have all the problems that need to be fixed.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix a bowing roof on my Lionel NYC Manhatten ex-Vista Dome.  I ordered some spare roofs and swapped out one on my Vista Dome and it looks great, except for the fact that the new roof is bowed so it sits higher in the middle.

When I tried heating the roof with a hair dryer, it straightened, but then where I had the rubber band, it caved in a little.  So I swapped it out again, for another roof that I had (always order spares), and I don't want to experiment.

So if anyone knows a DEFINITE way to get the roof to settle down, I'd like to know.  Right now I have some silicone wrist bands holding it in place.

Thanks... Mario

[Train-O]

Mario,

If, the dome has caved in, when storing, from putting something else on top.

As, a complete unit, stow it up-side-down and do not add weight to it.

Place the roof on a solid object, with an open space for the dome to fit through.

Keep checking on it every so often, so that it does not bend the opposite way.

Do not apply any heat!!!!!!! 

Ralph

[lionelsoni]

I take it that the entire length of the roof is bowed, not just the dome.  No guarantees, but I think this might be worth a try:  Take out the screws.  Wedge something (cardboard) under the ends of the roof to raise the ends a little bit.  Put the silicone bands back on, close to the center, so that they bend the roof just a little in the other direction, with the center touching and the ends raised.  Every so often take the bands off to test whether it is straight yet.  I think there will be no harm done if you overshoot and get it bent a little the other way, since the screws will pull the ends down.