3656 cattle car set AMA post-war Lionel

Sounds like an issue with your remote track. Try a different track if you have one and see if you get a different result, or try a different operating car and see what happens if you have one.

The bottom of your cattle car should have two sliding contacts that have to be  lined up with the contacts on the platform..also there is a difference if you have O ga or O-27 as there are two different heights for the platform contacts.

The platform has two sets of slots in its frame to lock on to 027 track, (lower set of slots) and O gauge (Upper set of slots) track. There are two contacts that fit between the track rails when the platform is attached to the track. The original factory supply with the accessory included two pairs of contacts to insert in the contact slots in the platform. One set was shallow for 027 track and one set of contacts was taller for O gauge track. Make sure you are using the correct set for the track you have.

 

One set was shallow for 027 track and one set of contacts was taller for O gauge track. Make sure you are using the correct set for the track you have.

The platform also requires an 3656-66 ground clip when using "O" gauge track. It goes over the sheet metal ground blade on the platform base.

Service manual page

Thanks guys,

I have all the correct stuff and as mentioned two platforms that vibrate and four like new original cars. I must be doing something wrong but I'm not sure what it is as I cannot get the car doors to vibrate and open.

When I turn the switch on to start the vibrating assume I should be getting some power to the 2 O gauge clips. Would there be a way to check to ensure that I am getting power to them to make the car doors open

Also, why would I need a separate remote track?. N

This point any help will be much appreciated. Much thanks, Jerry

 

Thank you very much, Jerry

I had the same problem. There are two notches in the base, and I had to clip the track to the lower notch in order for the contacts to reach the sliding shoes. Once I did that, it worked.

When I turn the switch on to start the vibrating assume I should be getting some power to the 2 O gauge clips. Would there be a way to check to ensure that I am getting power to them to make the car doors open

Also, why would I need a separate remote track?. N

Easy question first: The Postwar Cattle Platforms do not use a separate track.

I assume none of your cattle cars work on the platform.

The problem is most likely going to be in the connections to the power strip that brings power to the casing.
If you have a Volt-Ohm Meter (VOM) with an AC setting you can use it.
If not, you can make a test light by connecting two wires to a 12-16 volt light bulb.
Either way you will need a tester with two probes (wires).

Take all the trains off the track.
Turn on the platform and verify that it is vibrating.
hold one probe to the metal piece (power blade)  that is plugged into the power casing.
Hold the other probe to the ground fin (sticks up to contact the slide shoe on the car)
The meter should show power or the light should light.

If not keep touching one probe to the power blade.
Touch the other to one of your outside rails.
If the light lights, then the problem is your ground.

Turn on some power to the track (remember no trains on the track)
Touch one probe to the center rail.
Touch the other probe to the ground fin.
If the bulb lights then your ground is OK.

Based on what you have written so far, my guess is that the contact strip on the base of your platform is probably not making good contact with its mating surface on the other part of the platform base.

Or your ground fin is bent out of place, or rusty / corroded.

There are a few more possibilities, but that's enough for now.

Jerry:

Do you have the instructions or the service manual pages?  If not I could scan and post them.

Bill

Hello all ,

First of all thank you very much for your help. As it turns out I do have power to the clip and the problem was getting the spring loaded contacts on a cars to make correct contact with the platform. I got one car to work and now must play with the other ones.

Thank you Bill but I have all the instructions and repair manuals.

Best ,Jerry