Question About Lionel 6650 Missle Car

[cwburfle]

I didn't have the press the last time I had to reinstall the bellows, I used a deep  socket of the appropriate diameter.
The press is not in a place where it can actually be used, and is much too heavy to move around.

[MickeyDemian]

Thank you for all the insight into the possible problems with the car.   To cwburfle:  if I must replace the bellows, do you ever work on others cars with your press?

                                     Thanks:  Mickey

[cwburfle]

There is a spring underneath the bellows. The bellows acts as a dashpot to temper the rate at which the mechanism rises.
It's not unusual to find a launcher that rises too quickly. This is caused by the air in the bellows exhausting too quickly.
This can be fixed by reseatng the bellows.
But, it the seals are too tight, the launcher will rise too slowly, or sometimes not at all

Here is a quote from the Lionel factory Service manual describing yet another problem:

Failure of the launcher boom to lock in retracted position sometimes caused by an over-bent end of the elevating lever. To correct, bend the end back so that it can engage the release button. Failure of the firing arm to release, at the top of the rise, or firing too soon, usually calls for an adjustment of the wire link

(John already mentioned adjusting the link. )

As an aside, I own the arbor press that the factry used to install the bellows. Was there more than one?  Who knows?

[gunrunnerjohn]

There are other reasons for the launcher not to fire as well.  One is the link needs to be adjusted.  Another is the bellows is weak and can't raise the launcher high enough to trigger the launch.

[cwburfle]

When you push down on the tab (rail), the back of it should latch under a button at the rear of the launch mechanism. On original postwar launchers, the button is black, and should have a spring underneath it.
Replacement buttons are available.

If the launcher rises, but the launcher won't fire, then the little wire trigger link may be missing. It goes from the little sheet metal arm on the underside of the rocket track (part that rises) to the base. There is a small hole that it passes through.

Its not unusual for one or both these parts to be missing.

[MickeyDemian]

Hello:

  I  happened to purchase a 6650 car at a swap meet and the mechanism doesn't seem to work.  The tab that is on the slide that should fire the rocket is in the fire setting and it won't release.  The rail always wants to rise (won't stay down) and when its up of course it  wil not fire or release the firing mechanism.  With all the plastic parts I was wondering if a  plastic tab is worn or something?   Before I take it apart I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these cars and what should I look for as far as worn parts and repair of the mechanism?  Cosmetically the car is excellent so I don't  think it was abused.  Thanks for your help and  sharing your experience.

                                                   Mickey