Lionel 55 tie hector questions

[northernpike]

Got some questions on the #55 tie jector, postwar version.  Would appreciate any advice!  Just picked one up for the layout.

1.  My version does not have the heat slot behind the driver.  Have any of you tie jector operators had overheating problems and melted plastic?  Was thinking of making a heat slot just like the second version with my Dremel.  Good idea?

2.  What size are the ties approx? LxWxD  Looks like if I took a 3/8 dowel, cut it to right lengths and sanded the sides, it might work well And be a fun project.

Repro ties look like sanded dowels.  

3.  Any other advice on the tie jector?

 

Thanks much

Northernpike

 

[Michael6268]

I have one from the 90s. I never had a problem with any excessive heat. But then again I don't run it that long. Probably 20 minutes at most. Once the ties are empty it's quite boring to me. Especially seeing you can't reverse it.

[cwburfle]

I have had a number of them on my bench. I do not recall any with heat damage. They commonly have the black cab piece missing.

They are not designed to pull more than one or two light cars.
I never ran mine for very long.
Heck, I think it kicks out all it's ties in less than 30 seconds.