[DJTrains]

I'm "restoring" this 1929 IVES 3255 and was wondering if these broken pilot mounts can be removed.

After several days of searching the internet I've been unsuccessful at locating the exact original replacement pilots for both ends.

I've attempted to remove one broken pilot after removing the screws but it's solid as a rock.

Any help welcomed.


UPDATE: I finally figured out a way to remove the broken pilots. NOW all I need is a source for reproduction pilots for this model. Online searches didn't reveal this exact type. Maybe no one is reproducing them?


Anyway, I'll watch my email for possible replies to this post. Meanwhile I may even try modeling my own reproduction pilots.

 

[DJTrains]

For the possible benefit of anyone who may in the future come to this post and find it interesting, here's a picture of a 3255 with the pilot unbroken.

I have to decide rather I will replace my broken pilots with those of another model IVES or simply sell this engine on ebay.

 

[Big Ed]

Did you happen to try applying a little heat to it?

 

[T-Man]

The only way I know on how to repair it, is to mold a good one and use epoxy to replicate the front.

 

[DJTrains]

Did you happen to try applying a little heat to it?

I finally did manage to get the old pilots off, Ed. I just held the IVES frame with both hands and tapped the pilot end on the edge of a table. I was surprised that it worked.

Prior to this I tried to pry it off with a screwdriver and that didn't work at all. I'm thinking the pilot brackets had never been removed since the unit was made.

I'll probably just order the IVES pilots sold on ebay. They're not correct for this model but they'll look okay.

I kinda like the IVES 3255, I call it "the barge" due to it's size and weight. It probably would make a great camera carrier.

 

[DJTrains]

The only way I know on how to repair it, is to mold a good one and use epoxy to replicate the front.

I'd thought about doing that, T-Man, but since I'm so busy I doubt I'd ever get to it. I have all the modeling supplies, etc., but my art takes up my time.

Thanks for the comment though.

 

[Big Ed]

They were held on by almost a 100 years.
They were built good back then, or built well, take your pick.

Paint and some oxidation held it together.
Sometimes a little heat will either loosen it up or expand the metal some.

 

[DJTrains]

They were held on by almost a 100 years.
They were built good back then, or built well, take your pick.

Paint and some oxidation held it together.
Sometimes a little heat will either loosen it up or expand the metal some.

Yes, they were built well. That's one reason why I like the vintage American made trains. I even like the early windup units.

Next I have to rebuild the brushes. Both brushes are missing and one brush arm is broken off. I have brushes arriving Monday and I'll attempt repairing them.

I also discovered the coil wire to a brush is broken. After fixing these it will hopefully run.