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Lionel 385E Copper/Brass Loco & Tender

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  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 1,089 posts
Lionel 385E Copper/Brass Loco & Tender
Posted by lionel2 on Monday, December 17, 2012 8:46 AM

Hello all,  I have a Lionel 385E with 384T Tender that needs some work done to it.  The loco will not run and will not light up.  It is equipped with a BAL motor and Chugger Unit.  Has a 3 position E-Unit with Lever out of the top of boiler.  There is a lever in the cab for the Chugger Unit as well.  I am pretty sure it just needs new wiring and brushes and springs.  Maybe an overhaul of the E-Unit.  Anyone know how to do this??  The loco is in Excellent shape for its age.  Wheels turn freely, no binding.  There is no whistle in the Tender.  Any help will do. Thanks.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Middle o' Nowhere, MO
  • 1,108 posts
Posted by palallin on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 1:43 PM

Search Yahoo groups for the Standard Gauge List:  good group of guys who are VERY handy.

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 1,089 posts
Posted by lionel2 on Tuesday, December 25, 2012 4:35 PM

I got the loco running, but will only run in forward direction only.  The E-Unit does cycle, but no reverse.  I replaced the brushes and springs.  The chugger will not work right as well.  Any ideas on that??  Any help will do.  I tried yahoo groups, no answers I needed from that.  

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 1,089 posts
Posted by lionel2 on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 3:14 PM

Hello all,  Well here is an update on my 385E. I rebuilt the E-Unit, put in 2 new contacts, new drum and new wiring.  Now, the engine runs in both directions flawlessly.  But, still having problems with chugger.  When I move the lever in the cab to the on position, the chugger rattles all the time, there is no chug chug chug sound, I have a 392E with a chugger that works great.  You think the wiring might be messed up or the chugger unit itself?  I have a spare chugger unit.  But, I am thinking the lobe on the axel is not making the proper contact with the contact thing inside the motor.  Any help will do.  Thanks.

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