Inherited Lionel Train Set

Its funny too how the words "Lionel" and "American Flyer" have instant meaning to us who had them as kids. They are almost sacred words. I received a box of Lionel stuff salvaged from a fire in a bar several years ago. The guys who gave it to me thought I could use it. In fact, it is so terribly distorted from the fire that it is really of no use. BUT, its "Lionel" and I just can't bring myself to throw it out. I keep thinking "well, parts of it might be salvagable..." when in fact it really is unlikely that any of it is savable (with the exception of a caboose which though overscale I plan on re-trucking to run on my C & S).

 

26 April 2007

Good morning Bernard (and all).

Bernard. When you mentioned in your post about the drum being 'loose', I knew that you would need to replace it. I knew that one end 'tit' had worn off allowing allowing only partical curcuit flow to the E unit fingers.

The post I made about checking the brushes was getting lengthy and I did not mention the drum.

I have changed out many E unit drums for reasons of being over heated (high amps), tits worn off, striped gears, etc. They are difficult to replace, however it is possible to replace them with out any special tools.

The E unit also has two finger boards in it and are probably orginial. I suggust that you replace both while you have the E unit frame spread apart, to replace the drum.

As for the drum, purchase at least two. At some time in the future, you will replace it again.

The Penn 681's tender probably needs attention also. The power pick up rollers and whistle blower motor could possibly need some of the WHAL Clipper oil.

Keep us posted.

By the way. This is just one of the reasons I now enjoy operating MTH Primier locomotives on the SCRS. Should any of you are in the Greenville, SC area at some time, perhaps we can get in some operating time. Yes. Other operators do bring their Lionel E unit locomotives over to operate on the SCRS.

Larry @ SCRS

 

I second Boxcab's request
John

 

I don't have anything to add about the repair issues. I do enjoy hearing about old trains getting fixed up to operate again. There is nothing like the look and sound and smell of a big cast metal engine flying around O-27 curves.

 

Hey Geeky How have you been? Send me a PM and we can catch up!
John

 

Hi Everybody,
Ahhhh---I just read the post about taking photos of all the pieces I inherited and I just got back from Upstate NY where I put them. So all of them except the 681 engine is with me but I do have photos (I promise to send more photos of the other pieces in a few weeks when I go back up.)
Okay, out of curiosity I went to the LHS Upstate, and tested the engine. The owner sells Lionel trains but has very few parts (brushes or E units or the E unit drum -- Larry you are right, the whistle on the tender doesn't work either, but hey, the smoke unit sure did -- smelled up the whole hobby shop!) He didn't think it was the brushes but when I by passed the E unit it only started when I turn the worm with my hand. So I brought the engine back with me and try a local collector to see what he thinks.
Okay here are the photos of the engine.

 

I probably shouldn't get into this discussion since I don't model, but I sure remember Lionel's version of Pennsy 6-8-6 turbine, I think class S-2. Pennsy built ONE and Lionel built hundreds or thousands of them. One of my cousins owned one when I was a kid, and man, was I jealous of that. As far as the smoke filling up the hobby shop, that's what it was all about with Lionel and American Flyer smoke.
:teeth:

 

That is a model that is, indeed, heavy metal! Lots of the old Lionel was like that.

 

Everything is in very good condition (I just wish I had other photos of the other pieces, but will post them at a future date) I NEVER knew my Uncle even had trains. My Dad and I always had our American Flyers running on the ping pong table.(Talk about a smoke filled basement!) My Uncle's trains must have packed away for about 45 years.