I've found that tilting the 364 back every so slightly, about 1/8", will make the log drop more reliable. This has worked on two different loaders. When it's dead level, sometimes the log will slip on an angle before it reaches the angle at the end that kicks it out and get stuck. If it's tilted back slightly, the log stays at the back until the bevel at the end kicks it out, and it rolls right off.
You could always try some sections of cut steel or cast iron pipe, sand and paint so they look like wood, use some filler on the ends and paint--that would be heavier than the wood dowels.
Thanks Jim
I cut mine at 6 inches - will try cutting a few at 4-1/2 inches.
Steve
Steve,
I just checked the logs, and 164-64 logs are 3/8" diameter and 4.5" long. I am still looking for the can of silver paint.
Jim -
The spring is a wound wrapped wire spring with 1 inch long tails - not a flat spring
My logs, as supplied with the 6-14001 repro 364 from the 2000 Classic Trains Vol. 1 catalog, measure 13/32"! If your belt is moving faster than the logs are I'm guessing that it has been worn smooth, and that a replacement belt should do the trick. Brasseur's/Train Doctor has it, as do many other Lionel parts suppliers:
http://www.traindoctor.com/service/lionel/250to500.asp
Scroll down to part # 0364-011 conveyor belt.
If I was wanting to weight my logs I would drill a small hole in the center of each end and insert and glue a couple nails.
Pete
"You can’t study the darkness by flooding it with light." - Edward Abbey -
I always get Super Clean in the automotive section of Walmart, but I think Advance has it as well. It comes in a purple gallon jug. Pour it full strength into a disposable container and let the pieces soak. Super Clean is safe for atripping paint from plastic, which is another reason I like it.
I'll get the dimensions from the logs asap. What type of tension spring does your 364 have on the motor and gearbox? The one that is giving me trouble is the early variation that uses the flat spring.
Jim- Thanks for the reply.
Glad that someone else is having a problem - is that like a oxymoron ? just kidding
I have been trying to gently bend and shape the sheet metal, but hard to get things straight. I'll look into your paint suggestions, Super Clean ? - they have that at most hardware stores ?
As for the 364 Log Loader - it seems like the logs need more weight. But the dowel rods I got at the hardware store don't have much weight. What size Log do you use ? width + length ?
I always straighten metal by hand, and I only reach for tools if absolutely necessary. Krylon offers colors that are extremely close to the 97's originals. The colors are as follows:
53538 Bright Idea - Extremely close to the original yellow.
52108 Banner Red - Exact match to the red used on the roof.
Krylon makes a silver that is the closest to the original that I could find. I can't remember the number, but I'll look for the can.
When I do a restoration, I always strip the paint. Super Clean does a great job, and it is more pleasant to work with that traditional paint remover. If there is any rust, grind it off. If it isn't totally removed, it'll come back sooner or later. Once I am satisfied with the metal, I spray it with Krylon Gray Primer before getting into color coats.
As for the 364, I am glad someone else is having the same problem with the logs. One of my 364s has those problems, and the other doesn't. I can't figure it out either. I thought the poplar stock that I used for the logs was the issue, but they work fine on the other 364. I tried known original 164-64 logs, and they performed the same.
Be sure that the 364 is level and that the stakes pivot freely.
My son graduated from college this past weekend !! Yeah !!
So to celebrate I bought myself a 97 Coal Elevator and a 364 Lumber Loader. Post War.
The 97 Coal Elevator is pretty beat up, but the bucket conveyor works and the Unload Solenoid works. The mechanism could use some cleaning. The metal on the structure is bent and dinged up and is in need of a paint job. The base is in good shape, no chips or cracks. There was no controller, so I took apart a UCS uncouple controller and re-worked the 2 buttons, one to run the Bucket Conveyor and the other to open the unload solenoid. So that works quite well. Need to find a place to put it on my layout. Any body have any comments on the best way to mend the bent metal and advice on painting ? Also, the drive shaft from the motor to the worm gear runs at a slant, looks odd, but it does not look like anything there is out of place.
The 364 Lumber Loader ( Log Loader ) is quite clean and in good shape, the motor runs well and the lamp works. It even came with a 364C control switch. No logs were with it, So I went and bought some dowel rods and cut them into 6 inch lengths. The 1/2" dowel is too big to run under the lamp. the 3/8" dowel works OK, but I think the dowels are too light. Sometimes the logs will get hung up at the bottom of the ramp. The belt runs faster that the rate that the logs move up the ramp, and one logs does not have enough weight to roll over the unload posts. But the second log will be enough to roll them both over into the car below. Any body have tips or comments ?
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