I just purchased an older Lionel 145 automatic gateman. The gateman's arm, (holding the lantern), is hanging loosely on a clothing pin. How do I repair this (I assume I have to remove the bottom to gain access)?
Is it supposed to swing when the door opens. (i.e., does the man lift his arm)
Is the lantern supposed to light.
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Typically the arm swings a bit when it first comes out, certainly not automatically just from momentum. The lantern is lit by a bulb in the base shinning up to the lantern. You should see a small hole in the base when the man is out the lantern is positioned over it.
I have a postwar 145 from the early 60’s that I have opened for repairs many times and there is no lamp in the base that shines up to the lantern. The only lamp is the structure light accessible by removing the roof.
Enter “Lionel 145” on Google, lots of info and video....
I think it was the # 45 gateman that has the hole and light bulb in the base. The # 145 does not.
Jim is right the earlier 45 gateman has the bulb in the base which illuminates the lantern; the 145 has a bulb in the house. The arm is loose and swinging when the door opens, as Marty explained. The arm is held in place with a drive screw (714-16) which may look like a pin. The arm assembly is 145-31 and a complete figure is 145-27.
If his arm is held on with a straight pin, you are going to need to operate. First determine whether the arm or the figure are damaged. If not, all you need is the drive screw. The bottom comes off by VERY GENTLY bending the 4 tab up. The man is attached to the base with a nut. It will be easier to fix him on a bench or table. Parts are available from the Train Tender and a number of other suppliers.
Thanks DanR. I think your reply accurately describes my situation. I’m a rookie at surgery, but I have so little in this I’ll give it a try once I finish laying track.
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