Auction Find #154

as far as the engine goes any value depends on a few things, Does it run, are the wheels good ? I think you have to look on the internet or consult a Greenberg book to find a value. I do not think it would be worth to get it restored as you will probably spend more than it is worth.

Frank, the #154 was produced/cataloged from 1917 to 1923. It's an early loco from Lionel's introduction into O gauge and spans the era from Lionel Manufacturing into the Lionel Corporation. As such, early versions tend to bring more. Photos of what you have would help. There is no manual specifically that came with it I'm aware of but Lionel did provide a maintenance paper pamphlet with sets. A #154 with cars 820, 820, and caboose 822 made up outfit #165 circa 1920. The early cattle car came in two types. Four wheel #802 or eight wheel #821.

The bridge sounds like a #106 with (2) 105 ramps if it's o gauge. Jim's probably correct about the cost of restoration versus value. I would suggest see about getting it running before doing anything else.

I will post some pictures later. If I go ahead and clean it up myself is there a source for the paint and decals? Who has parts for the engine and cars?

820, found a picture, yep that is what I have.

Frank

Dry transfers are available to reletter the engine.

AS far as getting it running there is a you tube video by a shamus on checking it electrically. This will give you a base knowledge of how they run especially the armature.

@jim mcclain posted:

AS far as getting it running there is a you tube video by a shamus on checking it electrically. This will give you a base knowledge of how they run especially the armature.

Could you be more specific about the video. His channel or the video name?

Thanks

Frank, he's talking about Shamus McClain. I had to do some digging on the net to find it. Didn't really watch much of it but maybe it'll help ya. There's plenty of good info on this forum as well if you start searching.

I found it. Can't wait to watch it.

I suspect this was battery powered. It includes a sliding rheostat that says "Battery Regulator" or something like that. Anyone know what kind of battery I could use? I assume I can use a normal transformer.

I don't know what you mean about a sliding rheostat or battery regulator. Where is it. I think you have to post pictures of the loco with the shell off so everybody can see what you have. There are a lot of people on this site that know this stuff and want to help but we need to know what you are looking at. I am confident that you can get this engine running.

The couplers are there, and the pilots look solid and undamaged. The wheels tutn so I'm hoping that the motor is intact. Need to get him on the bench to see. I'm guessing I'll need brushes.

Everything except the bell and one rail appears to be there. I know how to bend brass rod so that should not be too bad. The paint appears to be olive green. Some of the markings are Ok, but railroad fonts are fairly common the NYC logo should be to. I would love to know what the colors were that it was painted in, though I do like the olive. Some EZ Lift Off polishing of the metal some primer and then maybe some Rustoleum or Krylon ought to do it. And finding the right highlight colors and what to highlight.

The boxcars. One is missing 1 sliding door.

Can't wait to see if this works. Of course, there were no cows or horses included.

And the cattle car is missing its roof and wheels though the other car might make a suitable donor. If I can either get the body off and transplant it or to the good chassis or straighten out the tabs for the wheels and transplant those. And find a roof, though I might be able to fabricate one. And straighten the sides.

The electronics that were in the box.

I read somewhere that the earliest sets were battery powered. It needs to be cleaned but it would be a hoot if it worked.

The bridge

This looks pretty solid, just grungy.

Not sure what this is for. I got a second lot with American Flyer stuff a #300 4-4-2 and 3 passenger cars, other stuff. I suspect if something came out of 1 box it might have been placed back in the wrong box. Good thing I bought both!

The often talked about but I have never seen O21 switches.

There is a bunch of tracks, mostly O31 but when going through it I felt at least one O27.

And this guy. He was in the S gauge box but appears way to big.

The track is filthy, as is the AF track but none of it looks or feels like it's damaged.

That's it. $45 for this lot.

Frank

Thanks for the pictures now I can see the motor.It is what is called a type 4 made between 1919 and 1924.  From what I can see the wheels look ok but you have to look closer to see if they are chipped.  You also have to look at the gears to make sure they are not worn to points on the teeth. From what I can see they appear to be ok also. Now lets go over the bad things. Did you watch the video by shamus? You have to check the armature because that is the heart of the motor. Use a meter and make sure you have continuity between the three segments and no shorts to ground (the shaft). You are going to have to rewire it. Now here is another bad possibilty the brushes hopefully they are good but most likely they are not. Right now I don't think any parts dealer has them I have checked with the two I know of Jeff at the train tender and Harry at Hennings trains. If the brushes are no good maybe you can check other dealers or maybe someone on this site can sell you some. Then of course you have to solder them in. As far as that battery rheostat you are not going to use that. You need a transformer like a 1033 . I am going away this weekend so I really can't give you any more advice I will be back wednesday.