Does anybody know who makes an aftermarket fixed pilot for Lionel F-3's so I can replace the swing pilot and add fixed ones with Kayde couplers?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
P&D Hobbies at one time had pilots for F units. They were developed for their own kit line. The kit line molds were sold to Atlas. Atlas probably changed the frames however, so they may not be a drop in fit.
For lionel, you would probably have to figure out a new mounting. You might have to rework the part of the pilot that attaches to the body. So it would probably be a little more than a few screws.
The pilots were available both in brass and plastic, and they had both freight and passenger style, at least in the plastic line. They have a website, but you might want to call in case some parts are not listed.
P&D still has all the pilots, freight, passenger, SF, brass and plastic. I just ordered one a few days ago. No idea if they fit Lionel but do know they fit K-Line.
Pete
Peter,
You might try giving Scott a call. He may some extras in his parts collection or might be able to order some extras with the 2nd run F3s. Many moons back I was able to get the correct pilots to update my PRR E7s.
Good luck!
@Norton posted:P&D still has all the pilots, freight, passenger, SF, brass and plastic. I just ordered one a few days ago. No idea if they fit Lionel but do know they fit K-Line.
Pete
That's good to know, for the OP too.
I bought one for a MTH, and it didn't seem to line up right. It's down in a box somewhere. Got it from P&D. Looked nice though.
You bet your sweet bippy!
There is some work involved but not too bad. There’s a lot of information here:
https://ogrforum.com/...-pilot-for-lionel-f3
https://ogrforum.com/.../lowering-lionel-f3s
I used cut down P&D passenger pilots. You can also use the existing Lionel pilot and lower the unit and attach that right to the frame, like @Laidoffsick did on his ATSF F3s, also in the links above.
Here’s the stock Lionel pilot attached to an (lowered) F7.
Also, you cut the doors open, you can use one on the rear A unit as well.
Pictures above my own.
Thanks!
-Mario
PS- I have a lot more pictures to share, just email me. Better yet, if you have an apple product, iMessage me to my profile email.
Attachments
Images (3)
@Engineer-Joe posted:That's good to know, for the OP too.
I bought one for a MTH, and it didn't seem to line up right. It's down in a box somewhere. Got it from P&D. Looked nice though.
The P&D pilots on MTH Fs are a little more involved, and you’re going to want to look at @John Sethian’s work on his F7s.
All, thanks for the responses. Unfortunately, a search of the P&D website does not show any parts, let alone pilots. Does anybody have a direct link to the pilots if they are still available?
Peter, at P&D first select trains, then select 2 rail trains, then detail parts, then P&D. They have about 6 pages of parts but on the third or fourth page you should find pilots.
Pete
Which road name unit are you applying these to?
- ATSF Style: https://www.pdhobbyshop.com/St....php?products_id=794
- EMD Freight: https://www.pdhobbyshop.com/St....php?products_id=792
- EMD Passenger: https://www.pdhobbyshop.com/St....php?products_id=793
- Passenger Pilot Doors: https://www.pdhobbyshop.com/St....php?products_id=634
These are links to the plastic parts, as for the Lionel F units you're going to have to trim them to remove the anticlimber details as these are already on the body shells.
Thanks,
- Mario
@Norton posted:Peter, at P&D first select trains, then select 2 rail trains, then detail parts, then P&D. They have about 6 pages of parts but on the third or fourth page you should find pilots.
Pete
Pete put them on his K-Line E8s as well... superb!
Got it, thanks!
@CentralFan1976 posted:The P&D pilots on MTH Fs are a little more involved, and you’re going to want to look at @John Sethian’s work on his F7s.
I have to say, that when I got one in my hands, I didn't know what to do with it. I figured massive cutting and reshaping so I left it alone. Sometimes I get shy?
