Just finished my Lionel 158, the before pictures are below.
The 158 had one original dummy headlight and the just the base from the other dummy headlight. Replaced both dummy headlights with originals (hard to find) as reproductions are not the same as they have a shallow draw on the headlight dome part (very noticeable).
The contact assembly was missing one roller. Replaced the contact assembly with new unassembled one (one that had to be riveted together). The reason for this is that I like to use the Lionel badge from the original contact assembly (just looks better especially after you clean the badge). Just a note, I do not like to solder the wire to the contact assembly rivet facing the motor, as a intermittent condition could develop over time between the rivet and the contact plate. What I do is open a hole (that is all ready there) on the fiber plate part of the contact assembly (before I rivet the assembly together). Then I tin the contact plate where the hole would be with solder, making sure that it is completely flat/smooth and will not interfere with the assembly. Once assembled and riveted together I solder a wire to that hole point and install it in the frame.
One wheel had a large chunk out of it and the axles were a bit worn, bearings were still good. Replaced the one broken wheel with a repro and painted all the wheels the same color red, then installed new axles.
Cleaned motor and completely rewired it with a super flex wire. During assembly motor was oiled/greased and runs good.
Stripped all the paint from the frame and shell. Had to bang out some dents and straighten out the frame and ends of the roof. Primed it and painted the frame and shell black. If you notice, you will not see any painted highlights around the window or on the handrails. From my research, the Lionel factory did not apply any paint to these areas with the black engine.
Replaced both couplers with new/repro’s. Then rubber stamped the loco in gold (like the original).
I use two fillister screws backed up with a small nylon washer to hold the shell to the frame. The reason for the nylon washer is not to have the screw mess up the paint when tightened.
These are easy prewar loco’s to work with. They will also sharpen up your rebuild skills and when research/hunting for parts you will find a lot of other stuff to use or go to with other projects.
Now I m looking for another 901 “Lake Shore” gondola. The hunt is on.
