Lionel 3656 Corral Platform platform operating 3656 Stock Car - Restoration Questions

[NarrowGaugeFan]

Can you tell me how I can find your previous posts in other forums to read about how to modify the corral as you mentioned?  I'd be interested in getting the accessory to work more smoothly and efficiently.

[servoguy]

All of my cattle cars and pens used the grommets that were under the platforms.  I replaced all the grommets with steel springs.

[NarrowGaugeFan]

Thanks for the replies.  This has cleared up my confusion with the corral and the attachment of the platform.  I have the newer version (1950) with the adhesive washers underneath the platform. Upon inspection of the corral, I'm sure that the platform was held in place with glue activated by the carbon tet in the 1950's. 

[cwburfle]

There are two versions of the platform. One used grommets that were mounted on side, and one used adhesive washers that go underneath the platform. While the original poster called them grommets, I thought he meant the adhesive washers because the grommets would not require carbon tet.

Regardless, I remember reading your fix, I thought it was for the grommet version. Is that right?

[servoguy]

I recommend against using the grommets.  They are too stiff and get hard with age.  I posted instructions on how to get the cattle car to work on another forum.  I have modified two of them, and the ones that are modified work without the cattle getting stuck or falling over.  I don't think the service manuals are going to give you good advice.  I bought my first cattle car around 1954, and was very disappointed that it didn't work.  I kept it and about 2 years ago I modified it so it now works just fine.

[cwburfle]

The original "grommets" had glue that was activated by carbon tet applied to the ends. Last I knew, Today's replacements are self stick. You just peel off the protective cover, and press in place.

I'd probably use a little mineral spirits and scrape away any old residue with a sharp knife.

[NarrowGaugeFan]

In January I picked up the 3656 Corral Platform platform with the operating 3656 Stock Car at a local train show with the idea of restoring it to useful operation.   According to Greenberg's Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains the platform assembly itself (3656-177) is attached to the main platform by adhesive grommets. (as is the cattle runway in the car).  In the manual concerning replacing the cattle runway or the platform it states that the seats should be cleaned with carbon tetrachloride and that the grommets themselves should be dipped in carbon tetrachloride then set into the seats. Since carbon tetrachloride is now much harder to come by and definitely a carcinogen, I was wondering what Lionel service representatives might have been thinking in the late 1940s and 1950s concerning the purpose of dipping the grommets before installation. 

My questions:  Was the carbon tetrachloride dip designed as a cement of sorts or mainly as a cleaner?  Nowadays is there a better and safer way to attach the platform?  I did order replacement grommets and received them. I'm just not sure how to safely keep them in place.  Finally, the platform has turned almost black instead of the shiny finish when new.  What is the best way to restore the finish - ie) paint, cleaner etc.?  Would painting the surface of the platform affect the normal action of the rubber cattle through the corral or is the finish merely cosmetic?   I'd certainly appreciate any answers that members can provide.