New here... looking for info

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone I'm new here having recently become interested in model trains. Been watching to much DIY network. Anyway my husband has a train set that his Dad gave to him when he was a kid and I was wondering what anyone could tell me about it, when it was made, I'm thinking maybe late 50's or so. It's a Lionel steam engine train and has 746 on the side of the engine. All the track parts, transformer etc are here but I'm not sure if it still all works. Are there replacement parts available or can thy be repaired if needed? Almost forgot it's an O scale train. Thanks for any info. I'm rally excited about getting it running and building a layout for it. Lisa

[ChiefEagles]

746 is a N&W.  Depending on condition, it can be a valuable engine.  [$650 to $1,500].  Frist thing to do is to make sure the cord on the transformer is OK.  If it will bend and not break, you are probably lucky.  If stored,which it sounds like it has been, needs cleaning and lubing.  If you are not knowledgable of this, take it to a reliable train shop.  Made 1957 thru 60.  Should have a stripe from front to back and along the tender.

[LL675]

welcome to the site Lisa. There are many parts for many post war lionel engines. More likely than not, all your husbands trains will need is a good oiling and some cleaning to run. Like others have said, checkout the cord on the trasformer. if it is brittle and cracks, it's not a big thing to replace. If you have a local train shop, they can do this for you.

 Dave

[Chris F]

Lisa,

Can you provide the numbers shown on the other cars?  That would help us identify the specific set.

Also, can you provide a number or letter designation for the transformer (e.g., 1033, ZW).  If we can identify the transformer, we can determine how it should be connected to the track.

[dbaker48]

Welcome Lisa, Great advice from the guys above.  You may want to check out the Lionel web site for a reputable dealer and/or service center in your area.  If you have any question about reapair, price, etc, bring your question to this forum you will always get good information here.  An honest group of guys frequent this place.

[Frank53]

If it's a 746 with nice stripes (intact), that's a very nice find.

[Anonymous]

Yes.That's it in the picture. I'll have to get numbers off the other cars. He still has all the boxes it came in and everything. Everything pretty much looks new to me. I don't think he played with it a whole lot and it doesn't look like he was nearly as hard on his toys as I was on mine lol. Thanks for the info on it. Lisa

[RR Redneck]

Welcome to the forum.

Is this the engine he has?

 

 

If so, you can find out more about it here: 746 Class J Northern Locomotive

Most post-war trains and sets have plenty of replacement parts available. 

If that is the engine he has then he should count himself lucky. Some collectors and operators would kill for that locomotive.

[msacco]

I want one of these badly. Lisa if he wants he can sell it to me.

Mike S.

[dwiemer]

Lisa, welcome to the forum.  The advise above is very good.  As to what you can do and where you go from here, I would suggest going to the website for Kalmbak, the publishers of Classic Toy Trains, and also the owners of this site.  They have a good list of books available and it would be worth it for you to read such things as Getting Started in Toy Trains, etc.  You should have the trains lubricated and gone over, either by a train shop, or, you can get the manual on repairing Lionel Trains, 1945 - 1969.  As your questions arise, please come back to this forum and you can also do a search as many topics have been discussed at length.

Good Luck,

Dennis

ps: If you tell us the area you are from, we can try to direct you to some folks that can help you out.  You may live relatively close to a club or reputable train repair place.

[Anonymous]

I live close to Memphis Tn. I went by a Hobbytown store on the way home today and they directed me to another hobby store that the guy said specialized in Lionel and O scale trains. Hopefully I can get by there one day this week. I really want to pick up some books about them and get some kind of idea about what I'm doing before I mess with it much. Lisa

[dwiemer]

Lisa, I am down in Georgia and we have a few folks around, some closer to you I believe Reggie "Thatboy37" is up your way.  He gets to a lot of train dealers, so you may want to email him and see if he knows of some good places to go.  It really is a rewarding hobby.  It gives your mind a rest from the ratrace we call life and perhaps you and yours can learn a few things along the way.  good luck and it is nice to have you aboard.

Dennis