Restoring a Lionel caboose
Finding the right parts and their numbers
The No. 2457 caboose was part of Lionel’s lineup in the early postwar era. Trying to restore one of them can be fun, if you know just what parts you’re looking for.
Lubricating prewar pickup rollers
QI recently restored to operation a Lionel No. 262 steam locomotive. My prewar engine runs great, except for a bit of sparking at the pickup rollers. Should I lubricate with oil where the roller meets the pickup assembly? I’m worried the oil will spread to the pickup roller and prevent it from picking up electricity from the center rail. – Brad Adams, Ottawa, Ont.
ALet me start by stating that I prefer not to oil rollers because doing so can cause electrical resistance. If you decide to do so, make sure you add oil sparingly.
Having said that, let’s focus on the rollers. They were attached to the brackets or arms holding them in two ways. Some had a hole longitudinally passing through, so they spun on a stationary axle. Oil getting inside could attract dirt and act as an insulator. Other rollers had the axle built into them, so they passed through holes in the bracket. The exposed contact surface meant fewer issues, although any buildup of dirt or oil would resist current flow, causing heat that could bake the oil and generate resistance.
Two corrals at one time
QI can’t get my two Lionel No. 3656 Operating Cattle Cars to work when they’re activated in conjunction with the corral. I run O-27 and am using the right blade. The cars work fine when powered from my transformer, but they won’t work on the track. Only the corral activates then. – Rod Yearick, Addison, N.Y.
AYou should check to determine whether the internal wiring on the platform is intact. You’re looking to make sure the ground is through the frame. That way you can eliminate that problem as the reason your corral isn’t working.
Next, be aware that a wire should be going to the Bakelite block that holds the power blade. You need to make certain there’s power going to the blade when the corral is energized and that both contact rails are clean and free from rust.
Finally, be sure the shoes on the car are in proper order and have enough spring tension so they make contact with the control rails. These are simple fixes.
Q AI have plans to restore a Lionel No. 2457 Pennsylvania RR caboose. What are the part numbers for the smokestack and the window frames? – Rich Kryscio, Chicago
I’m not aware of separate numbers for either of those parts. The only listing in the parts manual is for “body, complete,” which includes both of them.
Polarity of Magne-Traction
QWhen I am replacing a magnetic axle on Lionel No. 2343 Santa Fe F3 powered A units from the early 1950s, do I have to observe north-south polarity? I’m a bit unfamiliar with the Magne-Traction on my O gauge diesel locomotive, so any information you can share will be great. Thanks as well for the excellent advice you have been sharing for many years. – Raymond Bernazzani, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
AYou just have to match the polarity of the other axle in the truck. Which way they’re facing doesn’t matter as long as they’re doing so the same way.