Picked up a Lionel 197 radar tower for $12. It actually still works! Got the needed parts to make it look like it did, but cannot find the upper platform, Lionel part number 197-10. MPC produced this also, no luck with them. Not sure if LTI did or if it is currently made in China. Not concerned about the color; can be easily painted orange. Brasseur Electric Trains Parts Department showed having one, but no go. Mine does have the upper platform, but the railings are missing/broken like most of the postwar 197's. I plan to put it in one of the corners of my little layout; will fit nice there. Maybe repair this one with some scrap plastic?
Maybe you guys know of a source for one?
TIA; Bob
Edit: S&W has the part listed. http://www.sandwparts.com/
That top deck casting was used on several accessories (might be some minor modifications for application to application). Unfortunately, they are often found with broken railings. And often the support pieces are attached with a generous helping of glue. I don't think I have ever seen the part offered for sale in any color or in any of the various configurations Lionel used. I think you are going to have to make your own railings. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep looking!By the way, I find that it isn't uncommon to find a scarce part on someones list, only to find that they are sold out.
I think you are correct; tried everythere and there are no tower platforms out there. It's odd that they still produce the radar tower, but have no spare parts.
But another problem: the vibrator motor quit. I changed the two 197-16 long studs(the old ones were very rusty), cleaned the motor contacts. Then nothing. Took the lower cover off; motor gets warm, but no vibration.
Any ideas? I need a new one or put in a Faller low speed motor? Not many Lionel 197-26 motors out there. I did find some 192-31 motors for the 192 Control Tower but don't know if they are the same as the 197-26 motor.
I just checked the Train Tenders parts listing. He has just the coil assy(197-15) for $8.00. That might be the way to go. If I can get the old coil out of its can. Looks pretty rusty; probably why it quit.
I think you are correct; tried everythere and there are no tower platforms out there. It's odd that they still produce the radar tower, but have no spare parts.They don't produce the radar tower, they import it. Plus, today's company doesn't want you to repair old trains. They want you to buy a new one.
Kinda sad. Us repairing and operating/collecting Lionel Trains help keep the name alive so they can still sell imported(also sad) Lionels.
[quote user="trains2353"]
Please do let us know how you make out. I am particularly interested in whether your replacement coil comes bare, or installed in its can.
"[quote user="cwburfle"]
Recieved the coil from the Train Tender; it come by itself; no can. It's held in the can by a rivet. By drilling the rivet out carefully, the coil can be removed. By drilling carefully, you can have enough of the rivet left to reattach the new coil. Not much, but enough. I orered a 6 fingered drive washer also. My 197 doesen't like that. Didn't move. I had a 3 fingered drive washer left over from(I think), a 3620 search light car. Put that on and it worked fine. It runs good. Has the normal "buzz", but that's postwar. I'll try to post a video of it running today.
Coil part number is 197-15($8.00). Six finger drive washer is 3530-48($1.25). There are a few complete motors on the internet, but they are bumping $30 plus ship.
One more thing; I replaced the grommets(197-23 @ $.50 ea) that the base sits on and it seemed to quiet operation down a little. The ones that were on were rock hard.
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