Just bought and received a Lionel Santa Fe 2253 AA set.
Does anyone know how to remove the shell?
I see the front screw, but cannot see any other screws to remove the back part of the shell.
The detail wheel pieces on the side of the trucks are loose, so I need to get it all apart so I can reassemble and tighten those truck facia(?) pieces.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Chip, the rear of the cab is held in place with two metal spring clips. Remove the screw at the nose and lift the nose a half inch or so. Look at what you are doing from the underside and then push the cab away from the chassis gently so that the clips can release. Don't try too hard as they may be stuck from age. In this case you'll need a screwdriver or similar to gently slide the clips away from the shell.
Postwar Lionel trains are addictive. I bet it won't be your last.
Earl
Postwar Lionel trains are addictive. I bet it won't be your last.
Earl
Got it C.Sam! Thanks!
Yes Earl! I am addicted to the smell of ozone and postwar growlers now!
My only other Post War engines, were those bought for me by my Dad in 1965, both are sets...an Alco Santa Fe Passenger set and a Scout Freight Set.
I love them both, but this is my first 1950's vintage and man.......if this 2353 is so sexy I cannot imagine how sexy the 2343 is!
I need to fix the front headlight though, it doesnt work since I put it all back together.
Also, the front "shield(?) or Cowcatcher that is attached to the front of the truck and which the couple slips thru is loose...I need to figure out how to tighten it.
That's a sweet engine. Enjoy tweaking her back to tip top shape and enjoy running her.
Yep,
One of these days our expensive scale engines with TMCC, PS - 1 (already starting to die off) and PS - 2 will fail and boards will not be available to repair them. We will then dust off our post war trains, put a few drops of oil on them and off they go!
Have fun with your 2353. The 2353 was the post war engine that got me back into trains around 1969. A fellow who worked with my dad gave me his 2353 and a few cars, and the rest is history!
Take care,
Richard
My 2343 SF ABA looks good on the shelf;
but as nice as it was it cannot compare to the newer Lionel SF ABBA.
Yep,
One of these days our expensive scale engines with TMCC, PS - 1 (already starting to die off) and PS - 2 will fail and boards will not be available to repair them. We will then dust off our post war trains, put a few drops of oil on them and off they go!
Have fun with your 2353. The 2353 was the post war engine that got me back into trains around 1969. A fellow who worked with my dad gave me his 2353 and a few cars, and the rest is history!
Take care,
Richard
Funny you should say that Richard...I have 2 expensive MTH Premier 4-4-0 NYC&HRR locos...
I sweat bullets worrying about if or when they die. They were $700+ each!
But, these old Post War engines never really die...because even if they do die, they are so easy to fix.
I hear ya "AlanRail" , but for the money they cost I would be miserable...I am getting cheap in my old age!
Chipset,
If you haven't already done so, may I suggest picking up a Lionel Repair manual. I don't have mine in front of me but I believe it's a Greenburg one(hardcover). It has been indispensible when working on Postwar Lionel. It has illustrations that help w part numbers, how things go to gather, wiring, etc....
It's been 25 years since we purchased it but I'll bet they are still available, and it should be relatively inexpensive (maybe in the $15-20 range).
You'll find working on postwar is very enjoyable. The Repair manual makes it down right fun.
Hi Dave.
Yep! I ordered it from Amazon as soon as i won the auction!
Congratulations, Chip! My 736 (currently circling the layout as I type) wishes your SF 2253 a Happy December!
For those who do not know this is the information for this book.
Greenberg's Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains
1945 - 1969, Seventh Edition
ISBN:0-89778-455-3
You MUST have this book. Listed price is $24.95. Don't be put off because it says 1945 to 1969. The amount of information contained applies to the complete line. It includes information to the operation and repair of E-units, Smoke units, Couplers, operating tracks and cars, Switches, and transformers and whistles. If this is not the bible for train repair it is close to it. If you can aford to buy any train engine you can aford this book.
Al
I bought it an am looking at the shoe rivet issue when it uncouples cars.
I bought my first postwar engine (2025) in 1999 and I have been hooked ever since. The hunt for the next engine is as much fun as buying the next engine. The postwar engines are easy to figure out and easy to repair. There are also many vendors that carry postwar parts. Usually a new set of brushes and some lube are enough to get them going again.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
