I've Fallen Down and I Can't Get Up!

Here is the parts list and wiring diagram from Olsen's.

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/b123/000362.pdf

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/b123/000363.pdf

.....how does that old commercial go...betcha can't stop with just one...

you're done for now....the Prewar bug has found another victim. Great score. That hot box looks like the same one used on the Prewar trucks.

Looks like your hooked now, enjoy the ride
Keep looking for those deals, the Prewar 150 series are great.
Below is a before and after pictures of a 253 that I have.

Ron-

Great restoration - love the colors you picked...

Ron -what is the orange color ??  Nice work. JDaddy is hooked now !!

Steamer posted:

you're done for now....the Prewar bug has found another victim. Great score. That hot box looks like the same one used on the Prewar trucks.

It's a journal box, not a hot box.  A hot box is a jounal box with a fire in it because it got so hot that the oil in it ignited.

Train shows are good sources for journal boxes.  There is usually someone selling parts from scrapped rolling stock.  Anothewr good source is scrap cars.  The boxes are usually undamged and a touch of Brasso will make them look good as new.

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Steamer posted:

you're done for now....the Prewar bug has found another victim. Great score. That hot box looks like the same one used on the Prewar trucks.

It's a journal box, not a hot box.  A hot box is a jounal box with a fire in it because it got so hot that the oil in it ignited.

Train shows are good sources for journal boxes.  There is usually someone selling parts from scrapped rolling stock.  Anothewr good source is scrap cars.  The boxes are usually undamged and a touch of Brasso will make them look good as new.

 

 

 

Yes. Trust me.  Every thing was running hot when I got this.

Here are some pictures of it cleaned up. 

jim pastorius posted:

Ron -what is the orange color ??  Nice work. JDaddy is hooked now !!

Nothing fancy as I used a Rustoleum rattle cans. This is their orange and a maroon type, very close to Lionels colors. There is a interior cab light. I also use a super flex wires that are silicone jacket and each stranded wire has about 120 strand in each. I would not call my Trains restored as they are not. I try to make them the way I think Lionel should of. I only like getting junkers that do not have original paint and are in port condition. Your 253 looks great and I would leave it as is. Nice runner. Glad that you are hooked.

The prewar bug has bit another one! Nice engine to learn on, now ya gotta find some cars for that puppy!

Thanks, Ron, I do the same. Just cleaned up a 380 loco then wiped it down with a Neutragena  towelette  for make up removal.  After two cleanings I still got black off it and helps clean the brass. Leaves a nice gloss on the paint. I use RustOleum rattle cans too but when I moved I left them behind. Big mistake-sort of hard to find the big selection of colors they have but still looking.  I like the orange-maroon combo.  Just used Case tractor yellow on a cattle car roof  and like that. I have an unpainted tank car I might use it on.

Yeah I agree guys - there is enough paint on this one with some missing just to give it some character. So I am going to replace the missing parts and get everything working and have some fun with it.

Look at this thing just glide down the track now! only with about a 30 minute tune up.  What is nice is this locomotive runs great on Ross switches and gargraves track.  How could you not have fun with it!

I was able to remove the bends in the roof with some light pressure of the aft end of a wood paint brush and a block of wood.

Next maybe to tweak the frame a bit so the its not looking so "snobish" going around the track

J Daddy posted:

Yeah I agree guys - there is enough paint on this one with some missing just to give it some character. So I am going to replace the missing parts and get everything working and have some fun with it.

Look at this thing just glide down the track now! only with about a 30 minute tune up.  What is nice is this locomotive runs great on Ross switches and gargraves track.  How could you not have fun with it!

 

 

Just imagine that some kid back in the 20’s may of got that as a Christmas or Birthay present. Now you bring it back to life and it still runs 90 Year’s later. Now will yo be looking for freight or passenger cars? I m sure folks here could direct you on what Lionel number cars were sold with this engine. Personally I only collect and restore the 4- wheel cars. These are easy and less expensive. Enjoy and look for more, there is a lot out there.

I have just been reading the new Greenberg book on Lionel O gauge and the 253 had the longest production run. Pretty sure there is a chart showing which sets wer sold with the engine. IF it was in a set !! Anice thing about the cars-they are out here, simple and affordable.

Yeah I agree guys - there is enough paint on this one with some missing just to give it some character. So I am going to replace the missing parts and get everything working and have some fun with it.

That would be my choice too.
I'd rather have an item in it's original finish over a restoration or a reproduction any day.
(to each their own!)

Robert S. Butler posted:

.....how does that old commercial go...betcha can't stop with just one...

And it has grown since then. Back on Jan. 5 2018 I bought a 810 crane wanting a crane for my tin plate which consisted of 262, 262T, 803,806,804, & 807. Boy was I ever surprised when the 810 crane came in, I knew immediately I need more of these bigger cars, LOL. Well at present the count is 81 and growing. Yes I have bought 81 cars since the 5th of January. I got a little carried away. LOL. 

I think I need some help on my spending. No what was I saying? 

Welcome aboard!  You're in for a great ride.

Bob Nelson

We have the journal box in stock along w/ the coupler and replacement rivet. The Headlight has a "T" section insert that slides into the light from inside the cab. A wire is attached ,screwed on original "T" or soldered on to the reproduction "T". This wire is then attached to the same screw that the collector wire is attached to on your slide hand reverse switch.  Hope this helps.  Harry 

JDaddy,

love your layout, I aspire to have something even half as nice.  Welcome to the shiny side.  

Thanks guys! 

Bill those are some nice 800 series car. At the last York in April I was able to purchase a bunch of 800 series freight cars for 10 to 15 dollars each. Some were part donors and some were very nice!

I found 2 810 series cranes for 40 dollars each! A little worn but really nice brutes!

Harry Henning posted:

We have the journal box in stock along w/ the coupler and replacement rivet. The Headlight has a "T" section insert that slides into the light from inside the cab. A wire is attached ,screwed on original "T" or soldered on to the reproduction "T". This wire is then attached to the same screw that the collector wire is attached to on your slide hand reverse switch.  Hope this helps.  Harry 

Thanks Harry - Do you have the pantagraph and attaching screws too? Does each attachment require a nut too?

J Daddy posted:

Harry Henning posted:

We have the journal box in stock along w/ the coupler and replacement rivet. The Headlight has a "T" section insert that slides into the light from inside the cab. A wire is attached ,screwed on original "T" or soldered on to the reproduction "T". This wire is then attached to the same screw that the collector wire is attached to on your slide hand reverse switch.  Hope this helps.  Harry 

Thanks Harry - Do you have the pantagraph and attaching screws too? Does each attachment require a nut too?

The pantograph should be threaded.

Yes on the pantograph. Just back in stock yesterday, screw included.  No nut required. Will have re-listed today.  Harry 

SWEET!

Thanks Harry...

Now that makes 3 D3R Guys running tin.  Gives me an idea for Charlie’s party next June.

Just remember Bill - Tinplate trains will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no tinplate trains.