Lionel 685

[ADCX Rob]

Toy Trains FTW

Mine is really load and im not sure if this is normal, it sounds like a coffee grinder.

The aluminum parallel-plate motors used with Magnetraction steamers are notoriously loud, and can be substantially quieted with the use of modern synthetic lubricants. Especially on these, a thin coating of Lucas Red 'N' Tacky #2 grease on all gears where they ride/face the motor plates will interrupt the harmonics and gear rattling. This, in addition to all other recommended lubrication, will smooth out the operation very nicely. Pay particular attention to the gear axles/studs with oil or grease as these are a known wear concern.

[ADCX Rob]

Toy Trains FTW

...looks almost identical to 2055.

The 685 is the "O" version of the "O-27" 2055. Except for the catalog number, they are identical. The modern era "685" type (with magnetraction) was first produced in 1979 as the 8900 FARR Santa Fe. The shell & mechanism was used on the earlier 8206 & 8603, but these featured Baldwin Disc style wheels and rubber tire traction.

[emdmike]

That era of postwar steamer tend to have a similar "growl" to thier gear drive.  The earlier engines like 224 and 675 tend to be almost silent. As long as everything spins smooth and not run real hot, I say she is good to go.  Excellent engine, one on my eventual to be bought list as they are usualy affordable and have a centered headlight.  Mike

[Penny Trains]

According to the good book (Standard Catalog of Lionel Trains 1945-1969 by David Doyle):

"685:  This 4-6-4 Hudson locomotive, which shared a boiler casting with the 655, 2055 and 2065 was styled along the lines of engines of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.  It was produced for 1953 only.  The locomotive had a die-cast body, Magnetraction, smoke and operating headlight.  Wire handrails, ornamental bell and ornamental whistle adorned the black-painted body.  The boiler front of this engine was the same as that used on the 2046 and 646, which in turn was a non-opening version of the Berkshire boiler front.  The trailing truck was of composite sheet metal and plastic construction, and the engine's direction was controlled by a three-position E-unit.  In addition to main and side rods, the locomotive had a moving representation of valve gear to provide action as it moved along the track.  The 685 was supplied with  the 6026W Santa Fe-type tender lettered 'Lionel Lines'."

"685 Type 1:  Slightly less than half of the locomotives produced seem to have had their numbers applied by rubber-stamping in white, which makes this version a little more desirable than the heat-stamped version."

"685 Type 2:  Most of the production came with white heat-stamped numbering."

That's all I know about the 685.

Becky

[Firelock76]

There could be a problem.  I picked up a 2055 at a train show about a week ago, the E-unit was nice and strong but the engine made a coffee grinder noise and wouldn't move.  Long story short the motor was filthy plus the armature hole in the brush holder had enlarged causing the motor armature to wobble. 

Cleaned the motor armature and brushes and replaced the brush holder with a spare I had.  No more bad noise and it runs like a champ, pulls 13 cars with no trouble.  I could probably add a few more cars and have it chasing its tail!

Wish I (and everyone else) could hear what your 685 sounds like. Bear in mind those old Lionels are going to be a lot noisier than the current generation of can motored products.  Some noise is perfectly normal with those old units.

Any Lionel afficionados in your area or rail hobby shops?  You might want to take it to same for an opinion.

[Toy Trains FTW]

Ohh, Thanks for the info!  Mine is really load and im not sure if this is normal, it sounds like a coffee grinder.  Should I pay no attention to it or what?

[tinplatacis]

Mine pulls more cars than my layout can handle. It was made in 1953 only, but I believe it had a unique boilerfront. Either that or it was the one used for the 2046, 646, and 736. It was unique among the ATSF small hudsons, at any rate. The 2055 was an 027 version that was similar, had the same mechanism.

[Toy Trains FTW]

I have a lionel 685 and I would like to know more about it! I know it was only made for one year, 1953, and looks almost identical to 2055.  I would also like to know how many car it could possibly pull!

Thanks!