Restoration Project - Senior Project -

14687 Views 49 Replies 11 Participants Last post by imatt88, Jun 5, 2010

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · Jan 11, 2010 (Edited)

28

Hello Everyone! My school, (Sonora High School), requires everyone to do a "Life Changing Project" for their senior year, so I decided to restore postwar Lionel Gp's. A piece of this project is to get your project "Out to Public", so I have decided to post my progress on this website. Every week, I will update this thread with the new progress. (With pictures and new info). Please comment on anything. If you have any questions on "How I did a certain step", please ask. Also, If anyone has helpful tips, they will be gratefully appreciated!

:appl:

I have one question. If anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know. The Milwaukee Road shell on one side is faded by the sun. Does anyone know how to take the fading out of the shell?

I'm going to try to, lightly sand it, and complete the stripping of the paint. :thumbsup:

Postwar Lionel 2338 Milwaukee Road

Transport Train Vehicle Rolling stock Locomotive

Transport Train Vehicle Rolling stock Locomotive

Postwar Lionel 2328 Burlington Route

Transport Scale model Rolling stock Train Vehicle

Transport Vehicle Train Rolling stock Scale model

Vehicle Auto part

Electronics Technology Auto part Electronic device Vehicle

Electronics Technology Vehicle

Transport Vehicle Train Auto part Wheel

Electronic instrument

Electronics Technology Electronic device

Disassembling

Scale model Vehicle

Auto part Vehicle Engine Automotive engine part Scale model

Engine Auto part Vehicle Automotive engine part Car

Motor vehicle Auto part Machine Engine Vehicle

Scale model Vehicle Auto part Engine Machine

Auto part Carburetor Automotive engine part

Taking Horn Relay Bracket Out To Replace In A Future Date Out

Bumper Automotive exterior Latch Rim Vehicle

Electronics Auto part Technology Vehicle Engine

Scale model Vehicle Auto part Engine

Began The Stripping

Soil Wood stain Spray Paint Flooring

Grass Tree Soil Plant Number

Technology Electronics Electronic device

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PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jan 11, 2010

Spend Two hours putting theses photos up and I spell Restoration wrong......

:lol_hitting: :knock_teeth_out: :bs:

And I can't change the title...:bs:

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 11, 2010

PW_Lionel_Collector said:
Spend Two hours putting theses photos up and I spell Restoration wrong...... :lol_hitting: :knock_teeth_out: :bs:

And I can't change the title...:bs:

Never mind about second post, I found out how to change the title....:appl:

redwine_p

· #4 · Jan 11, 2010

looks like a good start!

T-Man

· #5 · Jan 11, 2010 (Edited)

Do you plan to interview people who grew up with these trains?
It would add a history piece to your work.

Are you planning on wheel removal? A puller tool may crack the wheel edge.
I use two pieces of wide blued banding with a groove cut length wise for the axle. Placed over a vise you can punch the wheel out.
The bushings can be replaced with sealed ball bearings. My F-3 was 3/16 by 5/16ths. You probably know if the bushings are bad the worm gear will strip.

Lastly I could not see how the horn relay was wired. Mine never was, and I need a good picture showing where all the wires go on the side of the relay. I am determined to know.

Nice strip job,
I have a tender that was made from a multi colored plastic sort of like the Partridge Family bus. I would of looked nice stripped.

Thanks

PS The spelling error is unchangeable in the thread titles. I have many.

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Reckers

· #6 · Jan 11, 2010

Great project, and you are doing a nice job of it!

Re the sun-bleaching of the locomotive shell---I don't think it's something you can change. The plastic is thin, and the odds are the sunlight penetrated too deeply. How about a new paint job, instead? You can get transfers to replace the lettering, after you paint.

Boston&Maine

· #7 · Jan 11, 2010

PW_Lionel_Collector said:
Spend Two hours putting theses photos up and I spell Restoration wrong...... :lol_hitting: :knock_teeth_out: :bs:

And I can't change the title...:bs:

I fixed it so that it shows on the main O scale page spelled right too

Reckers

· #8 · Jan 11, 2010

Oh, sure!!!! Make him look smart and the rest of us look like dumb azzzzes! *LOL*

T-Man

· #9 · Jan 11, 2010

KIDZ, I guess they stick together.

Keep up the good work.

From a fellow dummIE.

Reckers

· #10 · Jan 11, 2010

The bad part is, THEY are the only ones who know how to fix anything!

Big Ed

· #11 · Jan 11, 2010

All that I got to say is.......................................,

:ttiwwop:

But can't can I!:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Did you try a little furniture polish on the Orange?

Or did you think about just giving it a weathered look?

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 11, 2010 (Edited)

7

redwine_p said:
looks like a good start!

Thanks Redwine!

T-Man said:
Do you plan to interview people who grew up with these trains?
It would add a history piece to your work.

Are you planning on wheel removal? A puller tool may crack the wheel edge.
I use two pieces of wide blued banding with a groove cut length wise for the axle. Placed over a vise you can punch the wheel out.
The bushings can be replaced with sealed ball bearings. My F-3 was 3/16 by 5/16ths. You probably know if the bushings are bad the worm gear will strip.

Lastly I could not see how the horn relay was wired. Mine never was, and I need a good picture showing where all the wires go on the side of the relay. I am determined to know.

Nice strip job,
I have a tender that was made from a multi colored plastic sort of like the Partridge Family bus. I would of looked nice stripped.

Thanks

PS The spelling error is unchangeable in the thread titles. I have many.

Hello T-Man,
Sorry for the late response. (School takes up basically all day).

1's Q: I bought theses engines over E-Bay, so I don't know the history of theses engines.

2nd Q: Thanks for the wheel removal tips. From my sight of view, the wheels look to be in perfect condition. (No cracks, Not much wear) All they need is a good cleaning (Clean with alcohol and ethanol). I also blow the dirt out with an air compressor. The wheels will look brand new by the time I'm done. (I'll post pictures)

3rd Q: I'll take a picture of a relay and post it for you.

4th: For stripping plastic shells, I found out oven cleaner works the best. It takes all the dirt and paint off without melting the shell.

Thanks for Info. Jason

Here's the pictures you asked for, hope they help:

Machine Technology Electronics Wire Electronic device

Electronics Technology Electrical wiring Machine Electronic device

Text Diagram Plan Design Technical drawing

Reckers said:
Great project, and you are doing a nice job of it!

Re the sun-bleaching of the locomotive shell---I don't think it's something you can change. The plastic is thin, and the odds are the sunlight penetrated too deeply. How about a new paint job, instead? You can get transfers to replace the lettering, after you paint.

Hello Reckers, Thanks for the info. The new paint job would work well, but unfortunately my senior project is to restore postwar Lionel trains back to the factory line production. Maybe I'll scrap that shell and get a new one. (Use the old shell for a custom road name).
Thanks Jason

Boston&Maine said:
I fixed it so that it shows on the main O scale page spelled right too

Thanks Boston&Maine! :appl:

big ed said:
All that I got to say is.......................................,

:ttiwwop:

But can't can I!:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Did you try a little furniture polish on the Orange?

Or did you think about just giving it a weathered look?

Hello Big Ed, Do you want more pictures? Lol? I have another 100 plus more photos. I will try the furniture polish on the orange. (Thanks for the tip) Problem about weathering is First, I have no clue how to do it (I have a air brush though, I'll try it one of theses days) Second, unfortunately my senior project is to restore postwar Lionel trains back to the factory line production, so weathering wouldn't be authentic.

hwell: :thumbsdown:

Thanks for the info. Jason

Also want to add, Thanks for everyone stopping by and looking at this thread! :thumbsup:

Extra Pictures/Side conversation: Anyone Like Lionel Sd70ACe Heritage series? Here's a couple of pic's!

Transport Scale model Vehicle Room Railway

Transport Vehicle Locomotive Train Rolling stock

Lionel Union Pacific Chicago Northwestern 6-28280

Transport Vehicle Train Scale model Rolling stock

Lionel Union Pacific Southern Pacific 6-28281

Transport Vehicle Train Locomotive Rolling stock

Lionel Union Pacific Rio Grande 6-28279

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T-Man

· #13 · Jan 17, 2010

Thanks for the info. I still want to print it out. What manual is that from? That is the best diagram to date.

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 17, 2010

T-Man said:
Thanks for the info. I still want to print it out. What manual is that from? That is the best diagram to date.

The picture of the diagram is from Greenberg's Repair and Operating Manual For Lionel Trains 1945-1969. It's the best repair manual I have ever found.

subwayaz

· #15 · Jan 17, 2010 (Edited)

Looks like your off to a fantastic start. Keep the updates coming you've got my attention.

I found this site that might help if you get stuck
http://www.drtinkertrains.com/newfeature.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2123801_repair-old-lionel-trains.html

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3595277/repair_antique_lionel_trains_service_vintage_old_lionel_tra/

T-Man

· #16 · Jan 17, 2010

Hi Yaz!

Thanks for the effort.
DR. Tinker is the Man. I keep forgetting that he has info on his site.
Your second link was funny. number 6 was to buff the track for a slick surface! I guess friction for an engine is bad.

The last link.The manual "Never to be released again" Has and will.
That statement is a complete turnoff to me as a buyer all it spells is spam to me.
BTW Welcome the the forum.

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 17, 2010 (Edited)

subwayaz said:
Looks like your off to a fantastic start. Keep the updates coming you've got my attention.

I found this site that might help if you get stuck
http://www.drtinkertrains.com/newfeature.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_2123801_repair-old-lionel-trains.html

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3595277/repair_antique_lionel_trains_service_vintage_old_lionel_tra/

Thanks for the info.

I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UPDATE THIS THREAD UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND DUE TO AWFUL WEATHER/BUSY SCHEDULE. THANKS JASON 2/3/10

PW_Lionel_Collector

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 24, 2010 (Edited)

13

Updated 2/23/10 - New Senior Train Project Photos

[Adding more pictures of current progress (Not the best pictures, but you'll get a idea what I'm doing). Sorry it took so long. It's also a huge pain to upload a lot of these pictures] :laugh:

Stripping Milwaukee Road Shell

Wood stain Soil Vehicle

Wood Tree Rust Art

Stripping Frames

Wood Wood stain

Masking Frames Off

Transport Vehicle Scale model Automotive wheel system Wheel

Transport Product Machine Automotive wheel system Steel

Putting Primer On Shell and Frames

Tree Trunk Canoe birch Branch Woody plant

Plant community Tree Architecture Plant Branch

This picture didn't turn out very well...

Painting Shell And Frames

I know the paint on the Burlington Shell didn't turn out right. This is due to cold weather. I have sanded it down and it's waiting for this weekend for a touch-up coat of paint.

Vehicle Aircraft Wheel Airplane Model aircraft

Bumper Vehicle Automotive exterior Tree Auto part

Please comment if you want. Questions and/or helpful tips are always welcomed! Thanks for looking!

Hopefully I'll be able to update this thread this weekend also.

hwell:

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Reckers

· #19 · Feb 24, 2010

First-rate work, Jason! We're proud of you!

T-Man

· #20 · Feb 24, 2010

Looking Good! :thumbsup:
The oven cleaner does the trick. I have dropped too many pieces using a hook. I go with wire wrapped with a loop.
I am currently spraying outside in 30 degree weather. No, I don't stay there long. The parts are dryed inside and heated again. Heating everthing is a must. The heat gun is even used when I mix the epoxy.The can I will shake and heat until the coolness goes away. The last steamchest was hot, I think I baked the paint on. Looking back at the gas laws, once you spray the paint, the expansion cools off the item.

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