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Lionel 138 Water Tower HELP

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  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Florida
  • 2,236 posts
Lionel 138 Water Tower HELP
Posted by traindaddy1 on Saturday, July 8, 2023 11:07 AM

Hello: Need help! This is about a Lionel Water Tower 138 (The later issue 6-12916 made in the 90's.) When it is wired to the momentary switch and the control button is pushed, there is no action, just a clicking sound from the tower motor. The mechanism, spring etc. looks prestine. As always, many thanks.

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Hopewell, NY
  • 3,214 posts
Posted by ADCX Rob on Sunday, July 9, 2023 7:36 AM

I have not had one of these apart, but if the gearbox, part #7, has a rubber drive belt like the 2315 gearboxes, it is probably brittle/stiff with age.

Rob

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: Florida
  • 2,236 posts
Posted by traindaddy1 on Sunday, July 9, 2023 3:12 PM

Rob: It could very well be. Thanks.

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 559 posts
Posted by BigAl 956 on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 10:05 AM

Concur on the gearbox belt(s). I had a modern mag crane with same issue. Looks like with some gymnastics you can unsnap the gearbox to get at the belts. Look for replacements in the plumbing O ring selections at the local hardware store.

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