1688 torpedo locomotive

[Locomotive681]

I was just looking for some information on this pre-war loco.

thanks Mike

[Frank53]

Keith is the man to see. I am sure this topic will draw him shortly.

[Anonymous]

Yep, Kieth is the man to see!  CTT had a good article on all the Lionel Torpedo variations back in the Fall 1989 issue.  Generally I know the 1688 was only produced in 1939 and 1940 and only came in black.  The 1688E was earlier production

Bruce Webster

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Mike!    I recieved your private message in my e-mail. Let me know what parts you need & I'll get them for you. As for the 1688 itself, As long as the casting has no decay,chips or broken parts,(Rear steps for example) then you're all set. Drive Wheels are usually $5.00-$10.00 each, Rear Pony Trucks are about $6.00 each. The Drawbar is usually around $1.50. Lightbulbs $1.00 each. The Red Marker Lights are $1.00 each. I can find any part you need for a 1688. So, send me a detailed list here or at my e-mail & I'll help you out. BTW- Do not pay more than $75.00 if it is missing or has bad drive wheels,broken casting, & if it is missing 50% or more of the parts listed above. If the drive wheels are good & it runs & the casting is solid then it is worth at least around $70.00-$75.00 with a Tender in tow. Contact me again & let me know what you want to do here. Or I'll find you one in nice shape if you want me to. Take Care.

[dbaker48]

Keith - How's that Torpedo of mine coming along?  Just curious.

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Don!   Not done yet!  Fred does not paint in this kind of weather (below 32 degrees as the paint will not cure properly) he is very particular about the paint & he has plenty of other restoration projects going on as well. It does run though & is a strong runner at that. I think you'll be happy with it after it is all finished & I have all of the parts it needs for Fred to work on. Will keep you informed. Take Care.

[dbaker48]

Keith, Thanks for the update, pretty much going just as you said it would.  No problems here. 

[More to restore]

Hello Keith,

Just a short question on the 1688 and tracks / switches. I now run my torpedo only on a separate pre-war tubular oval, because it does not run over the 027 Lionel switches very well. My pre-war track and manual switches are in a bit rusted condition and often the tracks do not fully connect, resulting in powerloss. So, I was wondering if there is a variety of modern tracks and switches which the 1688 runs smoothly over. I remember vaguely that this topic was raised earlier, but I do not know the answer anymore.

Thanks,

Egbert 

[1688torpedo]

 Hello Egbert!   I have heard that plenty of Engines prewar,postwar,& modern will run through Fastrack Switches with no problem. I have no way to verify this as I've no Fastrack on hand. My Track is Tubular. However, If you have a Trainshop or fellow hobbyists nearby with a loop of Fastrack & Switch Tracks take your 1688 over & run it on their layout & see how well it goes over the Switch Tracks. My only other suggestion is to buy all new O27 & see if you can find a Pair of prewar 027 switches in like new or excellent shape on ebay. Don B- Fred is so particular about paint that I waited almost Eight Months on my first 1688 restoration from him. However, the end result was fantastic! Take Care all.

[dwiemer]

Egbert,

Great to see you posting.  Been some time.  Was wondering how that prewar baby ruth car that you needed the photos of came out?  It would be good to see some of your latest work.

 HOpe all is well in the Netherlands,

Dennis

[Jumijo]

Egbert,

I have a FasTrack layout with switches. Send me your 1688 and I will give it a thorough testing.

Jim 

[More to restore]

Hi Jim, next time I am across the pond (usually for work and hobby shops as a higher order benefit of having to go to the US) I will try to hit Mass. and pay you a visit...

 

Hello Dennis, the art work with Corel Paint Shop Pro XI was more complicated for me than initially anticipated. I made many beginners mistakes with that program, so I decided to start a bit more simple, get the software under control, try something simple and then try a multicolor decal like what I would need for the baby ruth boxcar.  So, I bought a rusted-wreck of a 1722 caboose on Ebay, cleaned it, primed it and painted the main body red. That is finished. I am now busy to paint with a brush yellow paint in the windows and the number-ovals. I have already finished the transparent decals that should go over that.  I made them with Microscale ind. Inc Clear trimfilm. Basically, they show only the black rivets, black lines and the black ovals with Lionel and 1722. Now, I not happy yet with the brush-painted yellow, but when I am done with that, I will stick it on. After I have finished with the 1722 and feel sufficient confident, I will start with the Multicolor decal project: baby ruth boxcar. So to make a long story short I am slow as a snail, only 40 years and my baby ruth boxcar will not rust no more so I will have plenty of time dealing with that. But I will send you pictures, it can only take some time.  You are right that I am less active on the forum: too much other things to do, relating to home improvement, getting the garden spring ready... But I still read / lurk through the threads every few days.

Thanks Keith, this is a good excuse to meet some other Euro-0-3-railers, make a small railroad party out of it and see on which tracks and switches it will crash or run.

Greetings all

Egbert 

[Jumijo]

Hi Jim, next time I am across the pond (usually for work and hobby shops as a higher order benefit of having to go to the US) I will try to hit Mass. and pay you a visit...

Greetings all

Egbert 

I'm going to hold you to that, Egbert! I'd be glad to welcome you to my home and show you our layout. Mass (and New Hampshire) have many fine train stores. We could visit a few of the bigger ones, like Charles Ro and North East Trains.

Jim