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114K views 103 replies 26 participants last post by  gunrunnerjohn 
#1 · (Edited)
Reference Manuals are important. It's where I always start by reading the manual. So this thread will be my link support to information that is useful to you.

I would try amazon.com for book selections they have a wide range of use books and the inventory and prices change all the time.

I also suggest Woodland Scenics a good all scale supplier of accessories.

Here is a Lionel search on Amazon Unfortunately Lionel has other meanings than trains, but it works.:)

My first on line suggestion is the Basic 0/27 O manual. This is a copy of an ordinary manual that came out in the 50's with a Lionel set. It has a lot of beginner information. A good place to start. This is located Thor's site. This guy has an excellent site. You should look at his layout plans too.

Another is the model railroad electronics for the "do it yourself" enthusiast.

The 1956 Instruction Booklet searchable in pdf form. Submitted by Quietman

The nice thing is the Manual is printable.

The American Flyer Service Manual

Block Signal Wiring is discussed at The Toy Train Revue.

The best technical source on line is the Olsen Library (search other threads for copies)

The reference for postwar transformers

Also from GR John with Google talent Two Rail O Scale Primer

Teledoc has a four page cross reference manual for Lionel Interchangeable Parts from 1956.

Another important feature is the "SEARCH". In the past we may have answered or covered the same topics. They are still there to view. You have a general search, an advance search (that can narrow it down by author) and the tag search about a specific item. The tag search also has a suggestion feature to assist you.

This thread is by no means complete. I just use this as a starting point. It my personal preference.

In my Signature Link Page ( The link at the bottom of this post) is a number of topics discussed here in the forum. Most are with pictures. The topic list is long so bear with it. My picture list has gotten so long I went to photo bucket for ease of retrieval. So peruse the threads and post your inquiries.

I am adding this link on phasing post war transformers.
Also submitted by GR John. Thanks.
 
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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
DCC Information and Company Sites

Way Back when I answered questions on DCC it was a standard reply. Just visit the site who makes it and read their material and FAQ's. That's it.

Here is the Lionel Site.

Lionel Service documents for the modern era 1970 to 2006

American Flyer and K Line is owned by Lionel.

American Flyer wiring Diagrams

Train web printable electric diagrams

A Marx site


For Parts there is Port Line Hobby

This guy always has a good table at the Wilmington train show.:thumbsup:

Port lines has a very good list of clinic articles that includes Lionel as well as AF.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
It has one on phasing postwar transformers.

And the MTH Site.

Kusan and American Toy Trains


The second best piece of information I can give you is on the web under the Lionel Supplements. This information starts in 1970 to 2004 somewhere around 44 of them and new ones are added. These are technical diagrams of trains and accessories the problem is that they are a jungle and you need to see the index of each one to know what it contains. The good news is that they re down loadable. The sup page.
The index to these is large. The engine numbers are grouped to type, later they are indexed by cab number. The manual numbers run 1-1 to 15-99 and so on. The adobe reader has it's own page system and this is what is used to print. This information is on every CD Service Manual so a lot of good stuff is there, you just need to find it. Printing a page here and there is well worth it.

This takes us to Supplement 1-9 this covers the MPC era from 1970 to the mid 80's. It gives details of all the differences in the engines produced in this time period. Some are only DC. So this is where you look up the engine number and dive right in. Supp 1-9
 
#3 · (Edited)
#4 · (Edited)
Thanks T.:thumbsup:


I am burning a CD of your links.:D


Disc title, just a simple T-MANS HELPFUL LINKS and MORE

Complete with updated pictures of your newest endeavors.
Just go to the CD and pop out some T mans help.:D


Complete with The SERVOGUY O, chapter /add on.
Thanks Servoguy too, you add very helpful posts.:thumbsup: A OK
 
#6 · (Edited)
Parts

One good thing going is part suppliers. Some are specialized for one thing or another.

The first is Lionel. They have pictures that break down the parts.

Of Course we have Olsen that suplies us with technical information. The link is closed.
You can download a copy. Link. to a zip file from Millstone Mike

A favorite is Jeff the Train Tender



Then there is East Coast Train Parts in NJ not to be confused with North East Trains in Peabody Mass.

South in PA there is Hennings Trains which is also a store.

In Lexington Mass there is Dr Tinker

Stores there is North East Trains. in Peabody Mass.

Charles Ro in Malden, Mass

Gunnerunnerjohn's complete list link. Some I have never heard of!

S & W Parts NY
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
#10 ·
T,

Nice links. I hope he finds time to expand the prewar steam engine section. Mostly electric loco information on his site.

Interestingly, he shows a Lionel/Ives 1561 electric loco. I was ebay-cruising the other day and saw a 1661 Lionel/Ives (which is very similar to my 1681's) which was misidentified as a "1561" ... while I knew the tag was wrong, I wondered if there ever was a 1561 loco. Well, now I know ... the electric one, per Terry's site. Neat.

TJ
 
#15 · (Edited)
Quick Forum links by subject matter

This page is from the How to Thread. This is where I normally start to find content links. I guess we have accomplished a lot here. I don't like to be a broken record but if I can improve or clarify something then fine I will. I tried to explain things thoroughly for all the readers who will follow. I find this lacking in other forums and it is appreciated here. Thanks.


My initial intro post number 142 On page 15!. My membership number is 352. You can see you number in the url block at the end when you visit your profile.



Yes ! A good idea, most forums dislike reviewing old threads but I encourage it.
My tags for threads need work.
I'll reserve my spot here.
Lately,I have been reviewing my gallery and posting the url where they are found in the forum.

My Signature Links! Favorites of interest.


Railroad Rob's YouTube Train Adventures
LED USE LED Flasher
LED Refresher 2010
Reverse circuit
How to column Post number 4.
LED Flasher parts for variations
What is it?
Real Caboose links

Photobucket is very easy to use. I upload multiple pictures at a time. I can also write on them while they are still in use here. The changes appear on the next page refresh. WIth attachments you have to delete and upload another picture.and then add it to the post. Also Photobucket links are viewable to non members, lurking.

Threads of interest.
MTH Battery,BCR
The Seroguy intro to 022 switch maintenance at CTT
WHistle, bell buttonRestore Prewar Trains
Manuals
Firebox LED, 8604 engine
e unit an intro
eunit drum replacement
Lionel Tune Up, cleaning a caboose.
Mini CRAFT WOOD KITS
Simple How To's

Accessories for the Layout
Junk Box
Motors of the Rue Morgue
259e Revival
Truck study
Strip paint off plastic
Remote Switch History Dates
Bend cast metal
bend cast cow catcher
Post War
Lionel part dealers
Look at at a Post War Lionel 027 6466X Whistle Tender
6111 Flatcar bracket chipped roof repair
6111 thread on brackets
more 6111 metal flatcars
Convert BabeRuth frame to use on a tender shell
8141t or 8203t sound tender
waste car
wheel puller
022 switch
Revive an old cast engine hint.
Track Cleaning car
Track Difference O/027Clean a motor and e unit
Clean and ID an old engine
Clean Tubular Track
Clean a shell
8315
68 motor car
600 series switchers
2037 and e unit
520
Make a coal load
2353T

tank car modification - sub marine
rusty trucks and frame fix
Accessories thread Lionel Marx and scale items
My How to thread
Mold a part using Bondo
Caboose Mod
caboose roof repair-porthole type
Weathering by Ogage47 Good rust
truck cleaning and trestles
8141 engine
Turn AC motor to DC
Searchlight 3650
Scout 1062
chain link fence
My 2333 intro
currrent 2333 thread by igmuska
Plastic truck repair
Substitue for a seach light car lens
260 Bumper, 90 Control Button
6111 Flat Car Revisited
Metal frame, loads, tank car frame, and a tour car
Using a capacitor for car lighting
Clean tubular track
Clean a shell
No 154 Highway Signal
1122 Switch
022 switch
Chain Link fence
Nails as joiners and axles
Joining O to 027 track trick
Tubular Track Mods,isolate rails for operating accessories.
String a crane car 6460
Coupler for a SCOUT lash up.
2333 Ed's diagrams
Test a 70's 8141 chuff sound tender
Chain link ideas from members
E unit repair and drum change
Cast boiler strip and paint
Lionel 249 1958
Lionel 250 1957
open a 1015 transformer
239 Scout 1967
Bench test a steam electric motor
675/2025 shell painting
metal frame
Dc motor on AC
OTC CTC Lock ons
Milk car 3412
6019 track
Simple Hows
transformer buzz
smoke conversion kit by erkenband
600 series MKT
Caboose tune up
Metal frames and loads
Aluminum passenger cars
Diesel Horn Picture
Remove the e unit and wire up the motor to run.
Motor setup for bench test.
A look at the 212 and 1055 Diesel Engines
A look at 216 and 213 Diesel engines
2466wx tender
6466x tender
200 series alcos
Link for a teledyne coupler diagram
Track clips and pliers

Lionel Pre War
610,612 248
Blue Comet by TwoRail
1682 caboose
make a tin roof
track pliers
137 Station
Single axle trailing truck, steamer
224 engine
o21 manual switch
258 pic and thread
259e revival
1668
1668 motor
2026 and Cousins

O Scale Crafts

rocketbike rack
MTH
MTH railsound link
another railsound


Marx
490 Loco
999 steam
LIonel to Marx coupler
Lionel roller on a Marx Truck
Marx Reverse unit


I went throught the 8 pages of 0 threads, I didn't get everthing but it is a start.

HO
Installing a flasher into an Amtrak Engine
Loco wipers
Lighting a coach
Mantua side rod wrench and nutdriver
Fleischmann LOCO
Nails for HO flex track
Tyco Tires
Bach DieselBach Diesel
HO Macao
0-8-0 Rivarossi
Tyco Silver Streak
Tyco Chattanooga
Brass rail expansion
Transformer throttle stop


Technical
DC Reverse Circuit
The Reverse board revisited in a step by step on how to build
Update a power supply
LED use
LED Refresher
LED Flasher
LED Flasher parts to show variations
Flasher in a tender
LED strip lights for coaches
LED Flasher Revisited
AC Coach Lighting
Bypass the e unit to test AC motor post #30
Test a 70's 8141 chuff sound tender

AC LED coach lighting
Toy motors
Arc Welder Simulator
immitation strobe light

LED shop Light
End of Line Warning Light

My collection
265t
520
pere Marquette

Other Great Contributions
Build an O gage test station 5D
LED strip lights for a passenger car
The 1122 switch and bulb discussion
Galoob Micro Trains
How to phase a Lionel Tranformer
Weathering Trucks
John's whistle,button controller instruction
John's open passenger car roofs
John's LED strip Diagram


Bakelit electronic train boards
 
#21 · (Edited)
You are too modest, TJ! Keep up the good work!

Most of this is out of necessity. To find information. My user page, has pages of threads and also pages of attachments. If my memory fails I won't know what to look for!:)

Pictures have been preferred for information. I think You Tube should be exploited. One example was the Helix thread. Now, we have never had so many questions on layouts I am sure in You Tube you can find the examples to show and tell. This will build up the video forum too!

I have to work on the links too.
 
#22 ·
To update, here are some pages with reference manuals.

K-Line

Lionel

Bachmann/Williams

The Williams listings are very limited and are at the bottom of the page of Bachmann manuals.

To get results from these search engines it may be better to be vague than exact. I used "switcher" from a search and found MP-15 in the results.
 
#24 · (Edited)
Lionel Supplement Manuals

This is the link.

These are a bear. They are shown in adobe and are a continuing process to add to the original manual started in the MPC era ( 1970-1986). The only way to find something is to down load it and see the index. Now there are over 40 of them and they are more or less added as a sequencve of time to document improvements . Newer ones were published in the early 2000 range.

What I going to do is book mark some of the more uselful pages. If you click a book on the upper left, the pages appear as thumbnails with adobe page numbers. I will use these as the reference.

The O gage switch 602-3010-000 and 602-3011 is on page 29 of Supplement 30.
Supplement 17 is a large index and refers mostly to supplement 1-9
Wiring diagrams are in Supplement 1-9 Page 459 and starts with the DC motor. All the MPC variations are here AC, DC, two and three position e units with wiring diageams.

The bottom of page 460 (16-1) is the classic Ac motor with the three position e unit. Print and frame that picture.

A DC Trolley Diagram is on page 12 of Supplement 31

Page 16 of Supplement has the wiring diagram for the Gantry crane 610-2922-001

This Wiring Diagram is needed to convert a DC to Ac operation by using the electronic e unit. This board has the old number and there is a modern replacement. I believe the wiring color code is the same . Just go to Supplement 21 page 12. Another one that is elusive and should be framed. I did convert my 6181 switcher this way.
 
#26 ·
Sometimes I don't find my car or accessory listed when I do a search for product name and number at Lionel's Service Documents page. Is there an overall index anywhere? For instance, I was looking for information and a parts list for a No. 8471 PRR diesel switcher, and I couldn't find anything until I got a tip from a post in this forum.
 
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