Help rehabbing an old lionel milk car

Burlington RouteOGR Forum Member

I recently bought this old lionel milk car from a forum member and wanted to go thru it...the usual cleaning and lubing thing, but I ran into two problems I need your input on.

1- one of the trucks has an issue with the power coupler...tilt it one way the knuckle will lock closed and tilt it the other way and it'll stay open and not lock closed...seems like something is missing inside...a spring? I ca hear the inner locking ord move back and forth when I tilt this coupler- but the other truck doesn't do this.

2- one of the wire leads to the solenoid, from the coupler is brittle..a replacement is in order but how far into the solenoid can i dig to replace that supply wire...or should I just get a close splice and call it a day.

I cleaned and painted the milk guy...why not?...and polished the milk can supply rail due to some odd digs from use...they drop down alot nicer now. The body is cleaned up as well as I can do without loosing the lettering and markings and I straightened out the one truck side frame that was scewed as well as the bent axle on it...love those old loose wheel and axle set ups.

Now it's just the coupler and wiring to do before putting it back together..oh, and a fastrack operating track piece w/controls.

Any input guys?

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6/7/1311:00 AM

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C W BurfleOGR Forum Member

Your milk car has electromagnetic couplers. There should be a metal pin and a spring inside the coupler, behind the knuckle. Based upon the original poster's description, it sounds like the spring collapsed.

If the coil is OK, and you'd like to repair the coupler, I suggest buying a spring and a replacement knuckle rivet.

In the service pages referenced below, Lionel shows a technique for prying the knuckle open without removing it. I prefer to remove the knuckle.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/mistrk/mistrk2.pdf

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/mistrk/mistrk3.pdf

6/7/132:49 PM

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Richard GonzalesOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Bob,

I would just order a replacement coil coupler. East Coast Train parts or Train Tender should have this part. If you are just looking to have a working milk car you could just replace both of the coil couplers with the later machanical couplers with the slider shoes, fix that wire leading to the coil and your would be good to go.

Thanks,

Richard

6/7/134:05 PM

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TheGandyDancerOGR Forum Member

There is a small spring in the coil coupler body that holds the pin against the knuckle. It is probably crushed. Easy to replace by removing the pin and knuckle.

The wire for the truck can be attached to the shoe easily with the bottom plate removed from the truck. The other end is right under the tape. Gently cut the tape away and find the splice. Attach your new lead and retape with electrical tape or for an original look, use masking tape.

Gandy

6/7/136:53 PM

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Burlington RouteOGR Forum Member

I buttoned up that milk car and then realized the platform needed some TLC, and after some advice from my son{lil boss} we chose new colors and finished this new project...not traditional with the fake wooden steps and fancy pin stripping, but it looks good in our eyes. Maybe this will inspire others to stray a tad from tradition to make thier layout ..and accessories...their own.