Lionel 242 help

[cwburfle]

I have repaired a fair number of scouts, including the 1950's and 1960's.
The original poster can check those brush holder drums, and might be able to resolve this problem.

Working on scouts gets tricky when one has to open up the motor.

[phillyreading]

Although a lot of people say that you can repair the scout engines from the 1960's, I find it to be extremely difficult to do. I have been around Lionel trains for almost 45 years and yet I have not found a way to keep a similar in style 235 engine running. Have made many repairs to my 235 scout engine before a friend of mine gave me a junk scout engine, the shell was broken but the motor worked great, so I made it into a modified 2-4-0 scout engine that now runs on D.C.

[cwburfle]

Scout motors will sit there silently if there isn't a comp[lete electrical circuit through the motor.
Fortunately, the most common cause is relatively easy to fix.
Have you had your scout apart?
On the side of the scout motor is a chamber that contains two drums that also act as brush holders. 
The drums have alternating metal and plastic segments around the edge.
Make certain the drums, brush springs, brushes, and commutator is clean.
I like to use a q-tip moistened with mineral spirits.
DO NOT USE ALCOHOL. It can dissolve the insulation on some types of "enameled" wire.

There should also be two little leaf springs, one at the top of the chamber, the other at the bottom.
THe leaf springs are actually contacts.

The common problem is having the drums in the wrong position on reassembly When properly assembled, each leaf spring should have it's end resting on a metal segment on one drum, and a plastic segment on the other drum.
The two leaf springs should each be resting on the metal segment of a different drum.

Check these links (different engine numbers, but they work the same way):

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc1120c.pdf

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc233p1.pdf

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/locos/loc233p3.pdf

 

[guitarman1994]

Mike: The wheels spin freely. I got the loco to buzz once, but then i couldn't get it to again. When I got it to buzz, only 1 pickup had power to it.

Larry: The light bulb is missing. Do you have any tips you could give me? I am 19 years old and am in college so I do not really want to shell out the cash to ship the 242 somewhere.

Brody

[TrainLarry]

There should be a bulb in that locomotive. Unless it is bad, it should light to show that you have power to the locomotive. Here is the basic innards of the Scout motor. If you do not wish to attempt repair or replacement is not an option, I would offer my services to repair it. Let me know.

Larry

[cheapclassics]

Good evening Brody,

I would check the wiring to make sure all the wires are connected to where they are supposed to go.  Also, check the insulation to make there is no bare wire touching metal.  Try touching one lead from a transformer to the pick up roller and another to the drive wheels to see if there is any reaction there.  Make sure the wheels turn freely as well.   As far as the innards of a Scout engine, that is beyond my capability.   Some of the others here are more well versed in that regard.  Good luck.

Mike C. from Indiana

[guitarman1994]

Howdy all,

I have a Lionel 242 that I cannot get to run. I live in an area where it would be challenging to get a replacement motor. Any ideas on how to fix it? I know that Scout motors are a pain to work on. There is no hum from the locomotive, so I have no idea if it is getting power. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Brody