Dug out my Green Diamond, and have some issues...

Micheal,

   I am just taking a wild guess, but it sounds like the wiring has severely degraded and needs replaced, wish I could help you more.  Maybe somebody else will have more for you.

PCRR/Dave

I remember your post of that very cool train. Cruising the web, there is lots of post war manuals available. Apparently, A.C. Gilbert didn't really have service stations until the forties. So, it would seem you are on your own with this pre-war gem.

So, I would carefully photograph everything when you open it. It is a rare train. Also, for wiring and documentation purposes for future reference.

Use your train common sense, check for a frayed wire as mentioned, maybe the bulb is slowly failing. Try it with out a bulb. I think when you look at it, you'll know if it is similar for cleaning or if you should find some help.

Let us know how it works out. Good luck and post a video if you get it going well.

Thanks guys! I am probably going to pull the motor out this weekend (or maybe even tomorrow if I get a snow day). I will definitely keep you guys posted, and share a video of it running.

So, one of our members (Moonman) emailed me to give me some advice, which was greatly appreciated. One of the things he included was an auction to another green diamond on ebay. Well, I noticed that the set on ebay has cars that have couplers and join on the roofs. Mine only joins on the roof, and doesn't even have the cut away metal for the couplers, or any signs of ever having any part of it. So, my set lacks the couplers and the gray grill paint. I wonder if I have an early production or something odd like that.

Well, I pulled the motor out, and found a problem. The motor is pop riveted together. I am not confident enough to use my rivet press on this piece. The wiring still looks good though, and I gave it a good lube, and not it is running better (though still not perfect).

Here is a video from under the tree.

Holy-over hang batman!!  If that had been my train as a kid it would bopped me in the nose!!

I think you have it running quite well.  It looks beautiful, too, as does your classic Christmas tree.

WD-40 on those passenger car light connectors and wheel axles. wipe off excess.

Beautiful set there!

I always wanted one of those.

I thought the same thing!  Ah, the memories of laying on your stomach watching a train go around the Christmas tree!

--Greg

You mean, the overhang isn't prototypical?