Lionel Gunmetal 400E!!!

[lionelsoni]

I don't know about your particular locomotive; but Lionel used some screw sizes that are unusual nowadays, like 3-48, 4-36, 4-48, and 6-40.  So be careful that you don't damage anything by trying to put a modern screw into an antique hole.

[lionel2]

Yes, I ordered all my diecast parts from George Tebolt.  I got a steamchest, frame and boilerfront with a few other small parts from him as well.  Forgot to ask george if the frame has threading for all the screw holes and comes with rivets for the motor mounts.  I ordered spray paint in gunmetal gray for the parts as well.  Might need to get some replacement screws as some are missing.  I believe the one holding the steamchest is missing and some others.  Its just a matter of taking the trim off the old frame and transferring them onto the new frame.  The flag holder will hold the cowcatcher on with 2 screws, one for each flag holder.  The railings are held on by stanchions, 5 I beileve.  Steamchest needs one screw to hold it into place.  One screw each to hold on the trucks, front and rear.  With a metal plate front and rear to also keep them in place, held on by two screws each.  You know where I can order new motor mounts for the 400E?  Or know the exact part number?  Thanks.

[lionel2]

Have another question:  When I replace the frame, do I need to buy new rivets for the motor mounts?  How exactly do I tap these rivets into place for the motor to be secured into place?  Thanks.

[TrainLarry]

I hope you have another loco to show your nephew, because this loco probably will not be running by Thanksgiving, unless you can get it running without ordering and replacing parts. George Tebolt (under Prewar Parts List "cast parts") has the parts you need to replace. To remove the broken wheels, the proper way is with a wheel puller, and to replace them, a press with wheel cups is needed, but other ways may be used in a pinch. As for why the motor is not working, you will have to do some diagnosing and work yourself before anyone can help you. Guessing will not help you at all. If you are not familiar with the diagnosing and repair of the loco, and are in a hurry to get it running, then a visit to a local hobby shop for repair would be the way to go.

Larry

[lionel2]

Hello all,  I have a gumetal gray 400E that I am restoring back to original condition.  The frame, steamchest, boilerfront, and set of trucks needs replacing.  The motor does not work.  Has anyone ever try to tear down a 400E and replace the frame??  I need some inifo on how to do this.  The loco has black drivers and trailing and lead trucks that are black wheeled as well.  The trim is all copper/brass.  But, the straps on the boiler are gunmetal.  Should the straps be copper/brass or gunmetal?? The tender is a 400W with whistle.  But, the tender has nickel trim but red lionel lines plates.  Is this original to this 400E??  I seen pictures of it this way on google images.  The 400E has a chugger unit and a BAL motor with tubular brush holders.   Does not have an E-Unit slot on top of the boiler.  Guess it has a 3 position E-Unit inside.  I will check that out when I get it apart.  The tender needs its wiring replaced.  As far as the motor on the whistle, I will replace the brushes and springs and clean it all up inside and out.  I have to replace the coupler as well.  The motor on the 400E does not work at all.  Not sure what is wrong.  I will replace the brushes and springs and clean the motor and armature.  What can cause a motor not to work at all??  You think the wiring is messed up or E-Unit is stuck or not working right??  I order the parts for it, and the paint as well.  The frame, steamchest and boilerfront are unpainted diecast.  I ordered a 12oz spray can of gunmetal gray paint.  The lead truck has 2 wheels that need replaced. How do you take off the broken wheels off the axels and put on new ones??  Any help will do.  Thanks and by the way I gotta hvae this loco running by thanksgiving.  My 2 year old nephew will be here to check out the layout.  Thanks.