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I have a late-40's vintage postwar Lionel 2333 New York Central Diesel F3 locomotive in an A-A configuration. I did some extensive performance testing on this unit back in March of this year.

https://ogrforum.com/...c/172611907127279458

The powered A unit runs very well - in fact it is really quite superb. The dummy A unit is in very good mechanical condition, but a small chunk of the roof at the cab is missing, and the cracks in the front end weren't repaired very well years ago.

I took the dummy A unit to an auto body shop, and asked the techs if they could fix it - since they specialize in plastic repairs. They didn't think they could fix it.

Has anybody on this forum ever been successful at fixing something like this?

PXL_20230612_142317467PXL_20230612_142325130

I have been trying to buy a replacement shell - but many of the shells I've seen on ebay seem to be in worse condition than mine.

I have the windshield insert for the dummy A unit. Perhaps I could reinstall it and use that as a substrate for a JBWeld patch?

PXL_20230612_145008620

While I am on this topic, I also have some Marx E7 diesel locomotives with missing center posts at the windshield. Any thoughts on how I might be able to fix this?

s-l1600 [1)

For the Marx E7 - a clear styrene plastic windshield insert would add a nice touch - maybe there is some way I could integrate a new center post with a custom windshield insert?

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Images (4)
  • PXL_20230612_142317467
  • PXL_20230612_142325130
  • PXL_20230612_145008620
  • s-l1600 (1): Marx 901 E7 locomotive
Last edited by Mossback Mike
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So, even if it were fixable, I'm quite sure it would require repainting, striping, lettering, etc..

In which case, you should focus your search on ANY shell of the appropriate vintage that is in structurally sound condition, regardless of its original paint/decoration.  Strip the old paint/deco off of the shells, and seek a professional repainter...unless you're game to try it yourself, of course!

I've seen some incredible saves of disasters in this hobby, but what you're asking is really difficult in the extreme.  F3 shells in acceptable structural condition are not that hard to find.  While not something I'm personally experienced searching for, I'm more than sure the Forumites will have lots of suggestions.  In fact, you might try a WTB (Want To Buy) posting to see what can be found from among the members.

Just a thought...

KD

One additional thought...

The 2333 New York Central engine set and its Santa Fe sister set are rather iconic in this hobby.  They were the beginning of the dieselization of Lionel's history, in effect.

If you are trying to find replacement shells of that specific vintage in excellent condition, you will be paying extra for their historical relevance.  It really is a matter of preference and dollars.  When...if...your existing shells are repaired, they will have lost their originality anyway.  Just another opinion, mind you, but focusing on creating credible replica shells, rather than restoring originals, would be my recommendation.

FWIW...

Last edited by dkdkrd

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