Best shop for cleaning, repair or restoration in SE Pa?

Depending on where you live, I could service the loco, I live in central PA, about 2 miles from Cabelas Outdoor store. This is my hobby, I am not supporting a business with my repair work. LMK.

My best recommendation would be Henning's Trains in Lansdale. Always gotten quality work from them. Also a great place for parts.

Please oh please don't have them restored unless they are really, really bad off.

Most collectors cringe at the thought of someone taking a museum quality Congressional set, and having them repainted.  Most will tell you that the value will drop considerably if restored.

 

If you are not in a hurry, I can also clean, service and repair them for you.  I'm in N/E Philadelphia.  I've done many for friends and co-workers, usually just charging for parts.

I concur with the opinion that less is more as far as restoration.  Unless it's a total rust bucket, careful cleaning and getting the mechanical parts in good order are what I'd do.  It likely only requires a through cleaning and lube to be back on the rails.

Thanks for the information.

 

The last time I had the set out (probably 10 yrs ago now) everyting was at least operational didnt run it much just enough to see that it still powered up and moved and then back in storage. I think a good cleaning and service would be fine. Just looking to have it for display and occasional use on my in the planning stage layout.

 

Again Thanks

Hi Bill, to expand  on what  Bob said above, I bought a Post War celebration version of the Congressional set about eight years ago and that cost me around eight hundred dollars and the add on cars where extra.

If your dad's Post War original set is in any kind of good shape it should be worth at lest three times that, more if in the box.

 

As for your repair work give Nicholas Smith a call in Broomal, PA. They are on Route 3 about a half mile west of the Blue Rt, (476). I don't have their number with me but they are a Lionel and MTH repair center so you can get their info from both companies Dealer Locator. Or just check in the OGR magazine, NS is one of their oldest advertisers. Besides you will love the store, both floors.

 

Also, no matter who dose your work it is always best to take pictures of everything from multiple views, including the bottom before you hand over any rare item for shipment or repair work. Not that anyone would knowingly try to cheat you, but with a speacial set like what you have it is always best to have proof of condition should any questions come up later.

One more point, if you decide not to carry the set in the original boxs make sure you wrap the cars and engine, each in a clean, soft towel. Also, make sure the items do not bounce around in the box you carry them in, they should fit snug. But, never crush them together. That could cause tons of problems even when you pack them away. 

 

Well, good luck buddy. I hope you get a chance to post some of those pictures for us.

I'd add that in this case I would NOT take the original boxes, since they require no repair.  I'm sure you'll be a lot more careful with them than any repair shop.

I will second and third this as I personally know both Harry and their repair guy and have used them quite alot with excellent results.

 

Harry, being from the old school () really knows his trains!