Lionel Steam Engine Restoration

[tinplatacis]

Does anyone know where i could acquire sprayable paint that matches that which lionel used on the 685 hudson in 1953?

[rtraincollector]

http://www.trainenamel.com/index.htm 

[TrainLarry]

This is what you are looking for.

Call for availability.

Larry

[TRAINCAT]

Having painted many steam engines myself along with having experience painting trains and models I have concluded which paints are best for the job. Enamels that are mentioned here take too long to dry and must be airbrushed. They stay soft for months. The best I found is SEM trim paint for automotive restorations. It comes in a big spray can, is laquer and dries very quick, and is a dead on match for a clean post war steam engine.  Next in line is Krylon Satin black which is very close. I painted several engine using  these two paints and  when put along side other steamers you cannot tell which is painted or original.

[MRTerry]

The SEM paint and Krylon Satin are both excellent options. I've also had good luck using Testor 1959 clear semi-gloss, especially in cases where I've only repainted part of the boiler. The clear will even out the gloss. This video shows a Lionel 682 that I touched up using this technique. Good luck!

Terry

http://ctt.trains.com/videos/layout-visits/2012/07/tuned-up-turbine-in-action

 

[Yardgoat]

I agree with trainrat that enamel takes a long time to dry. It really needs to be baked, which causes its own problems. The Krylon Satin Black is my vote...quick and durable.

 

Neil

[tinplatacis]

Thanks to the whole community here, I really found it helpful to tap your knowledge on postwar Lionel. I have finished rebuilding the engine, it took me four years plus rewinding the Stationary Field, replacing approx. 1/2 of the Eunit components (which I fashioned by hand), and some other things I have forgotten. It even smells like a new engine when I run it, which should say something about the quality of these with a little care.

[TrainLarry]

Glad you have your engine running again.

'E'-unit parts are readily available online, as are many other parts.

The service manual with parts diagrams is available here.

Larry