Another Project...

@Strummer posted:

I was able to score a "318E" and it arrived today:

I was hoping it would be in slightly better condition, but it's got enough paint loss and a few fairly major dents...

...to warrant a full-on restoration/rescue. That's okay with me, since this is the kind of stuff I enjoy doing.

First impressions:

It's quite a bit larger and heavier than my #10; the gearing looks to be similar. This is the "Mohave" paint color?

It's got the slot for a manual reverse lever, yet it's an "E"; I guess there must be some sort of "e" unit stuck up in there someplace...

The wheels are in good shape (), and so I see an order from Hennings in the near future for a headlight and maybe some handrail posts.

Any advice on how to straighten those dents?

Mark in Oregon

Has the same motor as the 10... a lionel Super Motor. there were a couple configurations of this motor.  Look in you new book on page 188 for a brief discussion on super motors. The slot is for reverse lockout switch.  Dents.... the ones on the edge are easy... some light hammer and dolly work...or some hard wood jigs.  The one in the middle is tougher.

@Rob English posted:

Has the same motor as the 10... a lionel Super Motor. there were a couple configurations of this motor.  Look in you new book on page 188 for a brief discussion on super motors. The slot is for reverse lockout switch.  Dents.... the ones on the edge are easy... some light hammer and dolly work...or some hard wood jigs.  The one in the middle is tougher.

Thank you Rob.

Here is a photo with body removed:

Very different from the #10, in that the "10" doesn't have this "chassis enclosure".  As you can see, someone did a pretty funky re-wire job; no "e" unit, so it runs in one direction only. I don't suppose I'll be able to find an "e" unit...

One of the couplers was broken, but replacing it was a snap; just removed the flag holders and the screws holding the pilot came out. With the pilot removed, the coupler just slid into place; much easier than on the "10", where the coupler was riveted in place.

Will be needing (2) headlights; one is missing, and here is the other:  

...can anyone say "Hennings"?  

This may in fact turn into more of a project than the "10" was...

Mark in Oregon

You'd be looking for a distant control... pendulum unit as collectors incorrectly call it....  tough to tune right ... these can be frustrating.. but also can be fun if you like tinkering with the fiddly-bits.  Make sure to get the "T" connectors for these lights.

Progress...

...brass parts cleaned; (3 of the little handrail tabs broke, so replacements are on the way), new headlights (thanks, Hennings!) are at the post office waiting to be picked up.

Rustoleum "London Grey" is (I think) a close match to the original "Mohave".

Lots of fun doing this kind of stuff...stay tuned.

Mark in Oregon

Nice work Strummer, will be a beauty. .Have lots of fun with it.

Thank you, Jim.

Pretty much done, I think; headlights installed and working, handrails in place.

Headlights: I had to use the original "T" connectors; for some reason, the ones that came with the replacement headlights sat a little too low, so the brass contact "spot" wasn't hitting the bulb contact. Odd, because I was able to use those replacements as delivered on the #10 project...good thing the originals were included with this engine.

Mark in Oregon

I'm not into pre-war tinplate, but you've done an excellent job on that. Plus, it's really an interesting piece.

'Ya done good!

Andre

Thanks, man.  Sure liked that #300 F unit you posted yesterday (?). 👍

For whatever reason, I had to slightly enlarge the slots for the headlight/ "t" connector; had to do the same on the #10...🤔

Mark in Oregon

Looks real good Mark!…..I like doing the tinplate too,…gotta like those bright colors, and polished ornate trim bits!

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Looks real good Mark!…..I like doing the tinplate too,…gotta like those bright colors, and polished ornate trim bits!

Pat

Thanks Pat

That's high praise coming from someone who actually knows what they're doing; I appreciate it! 🙂

Mark in Oregon

PS: enjoying the heck out of those Williams brass engines... 😁

Looks great Mark!

Thank you... 🙂

Mark in Oregon

Excellent plus! 😀

Thanks. 🙂

This all began with a "33", then a "10", and now this "318"; wonder what the next (?) one might be. Seems like they're getting progressively bigger.

Mark in Oregon

Go all the way with s 408E! 😀

@Tinplate Art posted:

Go all the way with s 408E! 😀

Ha! I don't think I'm ready for something like that! 😁 That's "big league" stuff, isn't it?

Mark in Oregon

Yup! 😃

But well worth exploring! 😃