Hi Larry;
You will have much better luck with answers to your questions over on the Classic Toy Train forum.
http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/3/ShowForum.aspx
Have just started collecting old Lionel engines; 150, 248, 8E , 318E and later 259E. Naturally there are some mechanical problems. Is there a good repair manual someone could recommend.
Many thanks
Larry