Updating my Lionel 249

[Anonymous]

I have an old Lionel set and the steam loco is a 2-4-2, #249. I was wondering if I could add a headlight to this unit and maybe a smoke unit. I’m not sure if it’s possible or not to do both or just one of them. Can anyone help me out with this?
Thanks

[Chris F]

Adding a headlight is straightforward; look here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=68

and here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=159

Adding a smoke unit might require some experimenting. You might be able to fit the 233-50 or 236-50 smoke generator as shown here:

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=55

The 233/236 boiler and front trucks were the same as for the 249, but the 249's motor might be too large to allow the smoke generators to fit. The alternative is the smoke unit for the 6110. Having worked on a 6110, I know its smoke unit will fit in the 249. However, you would have to drill a large hole in the front of the smoke box for airflow, and the heat from this smoke generator might melt the plastic body of the 249 (!).

Both smoke generators (233-50, 236-50) are available from Olsen's for about $10.

[1688torpedo]

Hello tme1972! A 236-50 Smoke Generator should fit in your # 249 as it was originally designed for that style of engine. Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 1688torpedo

Hello tme1972! A 236-50 Smoke Generator should fit in your # 249 as it was originally designed for that style of engine. Good Luck.

Yeah, the last thing I want to do is ruin my Grandfathers train by melting it! The last time that I took it in for service and then set it up, my grandmother was certain that it had a light but no one was 100% certain so I decided that I wanted to light it. I have another unit that smokes that's a lot newer and I thought it would be neat to have this old one smoke as well. I know it's old and I have always tried to keep everything in tip top shape in honor of my Grandfather since he loved his trains, hopefully he won't mind me doing this.