MPC numbers

[Anonymous]

good eve-

takin' a quick break from actively watching rams getting kicked..

most of my Lionel stuff is postwar, but i do have a MPC

GP -38 with a Pullmor.. gotta say it's a strong puller, and i love

the noise the amp eater makes !!! plus have several cars..

i have numerous sources for parts numbers for my post war stuff,

can anyone tell me a good one (pictures perhaps) for the MPC era stuff ???

thanks as usual. enjoy your wknd.

O, and my predictions... Vikings v Falcons, Steelers v Patriots

GO, STEEL CURTAIN !!!!
driver8
on the BNSF mainline ,
IOWA, USA !!!

[3railguy]

driver 8, the MPC era really improved around 1980. That's when they started adding magnetraction, sintered iron wheels, and improved the good ole pullmores. The electronic horns and whistles suck but they can be easily swapped with great sounding QSI beepers for around $35.

For the pre-80's, Milwaukee Road and Santa-Fe SD-18's are great. So is the NP, BN, U36B. They still used rubber band wheels and weren't the greatest preformers but they run OK. They have laminated cast aluminum wheels which are slightly out of round on some units causinf them to wobble.

The Trainmasters, SD-40's, and F3's of the early 1980's are probably the best. Particualarly the UP, NYC, and IC F-3's. The first two SD-40's, SF and UP have single motors but they are OK. BN is when they got it right. The green Pennsy GG-1 is a keeper too. They did a Tuscan GG1 but it's a grease leaker and has gear problems. The glacier green GN and grey UP northerns from the great American RR series are winners too. Stay away from the NYC GP-9 from 1984. It was made in Mexico and is a dud. The 783 Hudson is a must have if you're a Fundimensions fan.

Everyone is so hellbent on the new stuff, the early 80's stuff has hit the bargain bins and bargains they are. I suggest you get Greenburg's guide to modern era Lionel. it has lots of great pics.

By the way,

PACKERS RULE!!

[Chris F]

Go to Lionel's website:

http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Findex.cfm

Click on Parts Lists and Exploded Diagrams. You want Supplements 1-9 (LARGE file), which covers product from 1970 to 1986.

I can't find a listing for a GP-38 in the Greenberg Guide covering the MPC era. AFAIK, the first GP-38 was made in 1991 and came with can motors. What is the part number (or cab number) of your loco?

[Anonymous]

______

I got the loco from the bay, #8352, blue Santa Fe...
uh oh, did i screw up referring to it as a GP ?
I rebodied it with a Burlington Northern #8958...
yanked some hairs and etc. from gears, lubed
motor, and she was up and running !!!
thanks for the great info and advice !
would LOVE to put a horn in it .
as i recall, i paid $35.oo for it !!!

Packers sure DIDN'T rule this year...
[would have liked to have seen them advance, myself.....]
oughtta be a couple of good ones again today.. enjoy.

from "ice station Iowa"...

driver8
on the BNSF mainline

[3railguy]

Oppps, I read your post wrong. When you posted you're looking for parts numbers to MPC stuff, I thought you were looking for what MPC trains to buy with pics.

Packers rule no matter what.

[Anonymous]

no problem "3",
i have more info than i did before....
if anyone does have any parts resources,
please post.

am pullin' for the Eagles in first game -
what will Moss pull today ?


driver8
on the BNSF mainline
IOWA, USA !!!

[Anonymous]

Chris F.-

wow, guess i'm a bit pre-occupied !!!

i apologize,,

certainly didn't realize this was available,
and i REALLY appreciate your time !!!

driver8
on the BNSF mainline

[jimhaleyscomet]

3rail guy. I have the pocket version of Greenburg's price guide. It lists by part number (and quite a few there are!). Is there a list anywhere of just engine/part numbers for the years you mention or a list sorted by year?

[3railguy]

Jim, I don't know of such a list. Everything I've seen is catagorized by engines and cars. TM did a book on the chronologic history of MPC but it ends around 1980. The big Greenburg book with color pics and briefings on construction and operating characteristics is a good book..

[Chris F]

driver8, the #8352 is a GP-20 offered 1973-75, while the #8958 is a GP-20 dummy unit (no motor) offered in 1979 (#8957 is the powered version). The only external difference is the railings (older versions went into the cab, and could cause scraped paint when the cab was removed).

jimhaleyscomet, I think the book to which John referred is Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1970-1991, Volume 1, Motive Power and Rolling Stock. Unfortunately, it's out of print (Amazon is showing some used ones for sale). FWIW, MPC diesel P/N's tended to begin with "8", and the second number was the last number of the year of manufacture. That will get you within 10 years, anyway![:)]

[jimhaleyscomet]

Thank you John,

I just ordered in the Greenburg book 1970 - 1998. Now if I could just afford the 1987-1995 book, $32 for a used copy. OUCH!

Jim H

[Anonymous]

Thanks Chris,,

Lionel has quite a bit of comprehensive info
on the site..

Thanks for doing the research for me.

Heading back to the train room , having fun
with a couple of resurrected Marx engines.

Postwar Lionel, Marx, cool , tough,
American made toys that are still running
STRONG !

driver8
on the BNSF mainline

[Locomotive681]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chris F

driver8, the #8352 is a GP-20 offered 1973-75, while the #8958 is a GP-20 dummy unit (no motor) offered in 1979 (#8957 is the powered version). The only external difference is the railings (older versions went into the cab, and could cause scraped paint when the cab was removed).

jimhaleyscomet, I think the book to which John referred is Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1970-1991, Volume 1, Motive Power and Rolling Stock. Unfortunately, it's out of print (Amazon is showing some used ones for sale). FWIW, MPC diesel P/N's tended to begin with "8", and the second number was the last number of the year of manufacture. That will get you within 10 years, anyway![:)]

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