Considering having my Dad's Lionels Repaired

[jordon412]

Here's what I'd like to do:
I'd like to give my Dad as a Christmas or birthday present his repaired Lionel #218 Santa Fe Alco FA A-A set. The powered locomotive features Magne-Traction, a reversing E-Unit and a headlight. The problem is that the motor has lost power over the years and more than likely needs to be replaced. The headlight is burnt out and the small piece of plastic that goes under the coupler is broken in half. The horn makes a buzzing sound and the motor produces a loud growling sound when operating. The E-Unit works well, and the Magne-Traction works also. What I mean by "motor has lost power over the years" is that when he first got it, it was able to pull both its unpowered twin and all three 18" aluminum passenger cars, which it is unable to do now. As for paint, that is not as important to me as the mechanical and electrical problems. So can someone help me out and at a cost of less than $300 including shipping and handling? If it cannot be done for that price, can some sort of payment plan be worked out?

 

[cascaderailroad]

There are allot of repair people, most hobby shops will nickle and dime you costing well over $100 per loco ... when usually they partially disassemble them, clean them with rubbing alcohol and Q tips, rewire them, oil, and reassemble them. My advice ... save them away in a dry cool area ... and repair them yourself someday.

Some Lionel stuff is quite valuable, while others are depreciated by wear, tear and paint chip off ... NEVER repaint a Lionel equipment on your own ... it drops the value by 90%

 

[jordon412]

I have neither the tools nor the experience to do this myself. If this was to be done, I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing.

 

[johnwhelan]

I have neither the tools nor the experience to do this myself. If this was to be done, I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing.

You're difficulty will be finding someone. Many will say they know what they are doing but not that many will. Do Lionel sell spare motors?

Cheerio John

 

[wilh]

I think one of your best bets might be just to call around to local hobby shops to see if they repair older Lionel, and if not, see if they might know someone that does and then of course, see what they charge.

As for the headlight, all you will need is a new bulb (however, finding what type it is and then finding someone who sells old Lionel bulbs will be difficult). As for the pilot, if all of the pieces are there, you might just need some glue. As for that horn, Lionel's old postwar horns sounded somewhat buzzy as is, but if it isn't making any noise then it might be broken/not operating properly (I guess it would be one of those things were I would have to hear what it sounds like to really tell). As for the motor, some of Lionel's old diesel motors tended to growl quite a lot and it might just need a bit of cleaning.

Those a just some thoughts from a Lioneler. (Some of those fixes can be done by yourself or on the cheap.)

 

[johnwhelan]

Two links for you, the first is do it yourself

http://www.justtrains.com/Service/maint-3.asp

The second looks like a specialist but I have no experience with them.

http://themotordoctor.com/

Hope that helps. Apparently Lionel used different motors depending when and where they they were built, some modern items built in China appear not to be made to the same standard as the earlier American built locos etc.

General background http://ctt.trains.com/en/Collecting/Restoration and Repair.aspx

Cheerio John

 

[Duke1234]

Hi, Well something about the Lionel that you described. "The horn makes a buzzing sound and the motor produces a loud growling sound when operating" Is normal as Lionel's open pole motors do make growling sounds in normal operation. Plus the horn are door buzzers like the old door bells. Glue an be use to fix the piece of plastic ad the light bulb can be replaced with any similar bulb. (preferably a newer one a old one get hot and can damage the loco) I learned all of his by a restoration expert in Madison, over the topic of my Lionel SD-18s (Milwaukee road). The motor getting weak could be a problem But, there really easy to find on e bay and install. Just my advice

Best of luck,
Duke

 

[jordon412]

I was thinking about this earlier today: I've never taken it apart, but does anyone know if the FA's used the Pullmor electric motors? I know that the F's used them, but I don't know about the FA's. I believe that the company that made the Pullmor motors is still in existence, and may still be making the same motors. If this is true, then will it be possible to purchase one from them?

 

[Duke1234]

I believe they do and are a good idea to consider upgrading to if not already there.
There still for sale on eBay and easy to install.

Any other thoughts
after all I am 13 and been In this for only 9 years