Lionel Consolidation Derailing Issues

[Anonymous]

I happen to own the PRR version of the Lionel 2-8-0 Consolidation. I've read some threads on the OGR forum about derailing problems that these engines had. I'd like to pass on what I"ve learned to the forum users here.

The original Consolidation had two different problems. One was a problem with its tender, and the other was a problem with its pilot wheels derailing.

While I don't completely understand what was different about them, the power pickups on the tender used an unconventional design that caused them to get hung up on switches & cross overs. This would cause a part in the pickup assembly to break. Lionel has a fix for this which seems to work.

The pilot wheels did not have a spring or any weight to help them stay on the rails. This caused the wheels to climb up over the rails.

I'm happy to report that the PRR version of the Consolidation does not have these traits. The PRR version was issued a year later than the original Consolidation & Lionel apparently learned their lesson. The tender pickups are conventional in design -- they appear identical to the locomotive pickups. And there is a spring under the screw holding the pilot wheels in place.

Prior to my recent adjustment of the trackage on my layout, I had no derailment problems with the Consolidation, so I believe this locomotive not to be at fault for my problems. We'll see after I get my new switches.

Tony

[Anonymous]

My Lionel Long Island Consol has given me problems with shorting out on switches. No problem with derailing. I use only Ross switches; my other 8 engines, a combination of Lionel, MTH, Atlas & K-Line, do not demonstrate this problem. When BACKING thru a switch at a moderate rate (15 smph) I get a momentary short. Backing slower will pop my 10 amp breaker.

I have not contacted Lionel nor made a concerted effort to determine cause. But thanks to this site I will check the pick-ups. Incidently the sound is super. I have modified engine to get 2 chuffs per revolution by incorporating wheel magnets and magnetic reed switch.