Looking for a motor for a Post War 2026

[Frank53]

I have a 2026 steamer that has more problems than may be fixable with bent axles, bent wheel flanges, etc.

I am looking for a motorized unit for a 2026 to replace the one in the engine. The shell, pilots and side rods, I will use the parts from my current loco. I am just looking for a working motor and housing with six wheels intact on stright axles with striaght flanges.

If anyone has one, please let me know here or by email - [e-mail].

[Jumijo]

Frank,

I see used and NOS units like that every day on Ebay for very reasonable prices. Also, try Olsen's Toy Train parts.

Your 2026 is the one with the bent axle? The one the wiggles down the line?

Jim

[Frank53]

Frank, I see used and NOS units like that every day on Ebay for very reasonable prices. Also, try Olsen's Toy Train parts. Your 2026 is the one with the bent axle? The one the wiggles down the line? Jim

 

that be the one Jim -does the shimmey shimmey shake, and a mean hula!

The 2026 is to the inside, the outside is my 224. The 224 has some residue on the front I have yet to figure out how to remove.

[Jumijo]

I've seen that 224 before. I thought it was rust on the front. Does the front come off?

Even if you have to buy a NOS 2026 motor and it sets you back $30-$40, it's worth it. The first time you see your locomotive running without wobbling, you'll forget all about the cost.

Jim

[Jumijo]

Frank,

Here are some 2026 motor auctions I found for you.

This one ends today and is very inexpensive. Check it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LIONEL-2037-2026-2018-STEAMER-ORIGINAL-MOTOR-6-99_W0QQitemZ300016628828QQihZ020QQcategoryZ4146QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem




Here's one for a 1951-53 2026. Not the best photos but the ad says it runs great. This one ends Sunday.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lionel-Postwar-Motor-2026-1951-53-2-6-4_W0QQitemZ110020825768QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4146QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Good luck!

Jim

[Frank53]

thanks Jim - I appreciate the heads up.

[Jumijo]

You're welcome, Frank. Ebay also has 224 shells for sale on a regular basis if you want an original one without crud.

Jim

[lionelsoni]

If yours is the Korean War 2026, with the 2-6-4 (Adriatic) wheel arrangement, I would not replace the motor with the original type but use a 2037 motor instead.  The 2026 was built with the blind middle drivers larger than the others in an apparent attempt to improve the magnetraction by ensuring that the middle drivers, closest to the magnets, were always on the track.  However, Lionel couldn't get magnets because of the war and omitted magnetraction from the 2026; but they left the outsized wheels.  If yours is that model, you may be able to verify that it will pitch back and forth on those drivers.

The 2037 motor is a direct replacement, with smoke and magnetraction and equal-diameter wheels.  That's what I used when my 2026's bearings wore out.

(By the way, there is no American prototype for the Adriatic.)

[phillyreading]

Have you taken the shell off of the 224 and cleaned it with some mild soap and water(do not use much soap in the water) and an old toothbrush? Look at it when dry, if clean then all you need to do is put a light oil on it to keep the rust down. I have a pair of 224's, one is a 224E & the other a 224 steam loco. The front end or cowl catcher can be removed by two screws and removing the wire rods on the side, part # 224-3.

Lee F.

[dwiemer]

Hate to say this, but that funk on the front of your engine looks like the caked mess from the old Lionel Lube, that seems next to impossible to remove with cleaner, have to chisle it off.  Hope you have good luck.  Please keep us updated on your progress.

Dennis

[BobbyDing]

You probably already know this, but be sure you purchase the correct model motor, as I think there were two versions of the 2026, and I don't think that the motor assemblies are interchangable between them. Also, the axles and wheels are available from parts suppliers for a few bucks each. I've purchased a few for mine because it was wobbling. Had to also purchase a small (cheap) wheel puller at Harbor Freight and modify it a bit (grind away the fat claws) before it would fit under the wheels, but it worked out well in the end. If your replacing several wheels then a whole new assembly is probably the best way to go.

 

Bobby

[Frank53]

You probably already know this, but be sure you purchase the correct model motor, as I think there were two versions of the 2026, and I don't think that the motor assemblies are interchangable between them.

mine is the version with nickel plated drivers

[lionelsoni]

That's probably the earlier 2026 prairie (2-6-2), not the later 2026 Adriatic (2-6-4) that I was talking about, in which case, as Emily Litella would say, "Never mind."

[BobbyDing]

I did purchase a motor assm for the later 2-6-4 on ebay from a fellow who repeatedly sells them. He's also sold motor assms for the earlier version, along with other parts. Looks to me like he gets used locos and breaks them down and sells the parts. I suppose he makes more $$$ that way, instead of selling complete locos. The motors look clean and almost new, so he must be rebuilding them. Anyway, the one I bought worked flawlessly. If you haven't already, do an advanced ebay search for "lionel 2026 motor", CLOSED auctions only to see what the average selling $$$ has been. Then you'll have an idea what you need to be bidding.

 

Bobby

[jpelosi2002]

Frank, I have the same 1948/49 version of the 2026. It also walks like a duck and so has every other one that I've seen run. This thing is also a bear to work on. You need 12 hands to put the thing back together. Also, if you're interested, I have a glass bead blaster that would make short work of your problem with your 224 boiler front without damaging the die casting. If you're interested shoot me an email.

Jim

[1688torpedo]

Hello Frank!    Give Jeff a call at the Train Tender & see if he has a original from Madison Hardware. Be sure to specify the version you need though. His number is: 1-585-381-0705. He is very helpful & reasonable also. Good Luck. P.S. The original would be worth saving as it can be worked on. Take Care.