I inherited a train set but I know NOTHING about them.

[TMich]

I am now the owner of a train set but I know nothing about them.  Wondering if anyone could shed any light on the situation.  The engine is a Lionel 8021 as read on the bottom.  It is silver with a red nose.  Amtrak on the side with the number 8664. 

[lionelsoni]

It is a 6-8664, made in 1776-77 by MPC ("Model Products Corporation"), the General Mills company that succeeded the original Lionel.  It is an undersized model of an Alco FA-2.

The number 8021 is puzzling.  A Lionel part number, such as a locomotive frame, often included the model number that it was first used on; but the 8021 was a B unit.  Did you see that number on the A unit?

[Northwoods Flyer]

Is this your set?

 

Bob,

I just love slips of the finger.  I know you meant to type 1976, but your date would truely make it part of a Heritage Fleet.  

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

[RAVL]

If it is, that is a great set.  I know it is simple/plain by today's standards but my mom bought me that set in 1977 and I still have it.  Still runs very well and it has a classic Lionel toy train look to it. 

If the original poster has this new-in-box, obviously a good lube and careful running in will be necessary.  You've come to the right place to get advice.

[TMich]

Thank you so much for your responses. My train does look like one in the picture here. We have the cars too and a lot of track. That's exciting!

[Firelock76]

Welcome to the wonderful world of O Gauge TMich!  Doesn't matter how you got here, just get ready to enjoy the ride!

You'll get some great advice here!  And your Christmas Tree will be all the better!

[rtraincollector]

Welcome to the forum that's a nice set even in used condition you need help with it we are here to help just ask most will try to help and sometimes it may even get a little confusing. ( we don't mean to but there might be more than 1 way to fix something lol)

[KRM]

Welcome,

 I agree with Bob. 1976 -77 MPC # 8664 A uint. A nice addition to the set would be the # 8667 B unit. Now just lay some track and have some fun.

[MAH]

I also have an lionel 8864 but have a problem that I cannot solve. The engine derails constantly. I have replaced the engine because of other issues but have had the same problem with both engines. There are no obvious defects. I have run the engine on multiple tracks with the same results. 

[Penny Trains]

I'm having a similar issue with an 8031 CN GP7.  It derails at the same spot on a curve.  I think it has something to do with the pick-up roller on the dummy truck dropping between the O31 rails.  Running the loco the other way around doesn't fix the problem.  Maybe your issue is similar?

Note: I have an A-B pair of Santa Fe Alcos (8861-8862) of similar vintage to your Amtrak loco, yet they make it past the spot that's derailing the Geep.

[sir james I]

Try taking the cab off and pushing the spring clips a LITTLE farther down. That would put more pressure on the truck. New springs could be another option.

[MAH]

Thanks. I have tried pushing the springs down with no luck. I will try a stiffer spring.

[MAH]

I have found on other locomotives that when derailing around curves, the track was not secured at that point to the board and lifts slightly derailing the locomotive.

[MAH]

Success ! I removed the original springs and replaced them with springs that were about 2X the spring force of the originals, made adjustments (least spring force worked best) and bingo ! All is well.