Identification what do I have? O gauge

Looking at the bottom, it looks like the common AC 12 volt collector is on it, so l would put it on a loop of O gauge 3 rail track hooked to any Marx, Flyer, Lionel, MTH? transformer and see if it sparked or moved.  If it is standard gauge, l'd try a loop of that.  Probably not too far from the norm in operation, but may not have a reverse.

Mark those are beautiful, and the family history is priceless. that looks like a Lionel Prewar motor. I'd clean the pick up rollers and the wheels where they meet the track. Looks like O or O27 gauge, so any tube track and Lionel or Marx transformer should work. Let us know what you find out.

You probably should NOT take them apart unless you really have to. If you can get the loco to run by oiling it, then do that and leave it alone. Many things that are not broken, end up getting broken by someone fiddling with them, without the proper knowledge, tools, and technique.

Try comparing what you have with the diagrams here: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd2o.htm

Thanks for the info. I will take a look at the diagrams to pin down the engine. It looks like the rear engine wheels may be insulated with some thing. It almost looks like masking tape that has picked up a coating of grease over the years. Would there be any reason why some one would do that?

l will keep you posted. I had a few more pictures to add.

Wow!  What a neat find!  Looks like the motor from a 238 at first glance... well made for sure.  That's not just a toy train... it's art and history too!

Jon

While it would be great if you can get it to run it deserves it's own display cabinet in a prominent place, what a treasure to have passed down.

 It almost looks like masking tape that has picked up a coating of grease over the years. Would there be any reason why some one would do that?

Might be friction tape, which looks somewhat like cloth. I have only seen it in black, but the linked article shows it in white. If so, I'd guess it's there for traction.

friction tape (Home Depot)

That's awesome.

  Some basic inspection of what's there should be done before you run it IMO. The brushes and armature being cleaned asap may go a long way towards a long term survivor.

  Icommonst's not too hard if your handy with things. I'd try to take the rods off the wheels, which may be a gamble in itself FYI. But it would avoid messing with the guides. Lots of good threads here if you search. Tips hear are the best. Some basic tune up videos on youtube would give you an idea if you could handle a job like this. The drive may differ slightly, but general care is always similar.

If the whole trains wheels are all isolated on one side, the track it once ran on my have been fully isolated on the outside rails, allowing two trains to run on one full track layout, by using the center rail as common between two phased transformers and each outside rail connected to its own variable throttle. 

A slimmer possibility is it was once modified for two rail use. There would be contacts added to rub those isolated loco wheels.

  Or if nothing else is issolated, maybe the axle hole just got old and loose and that is a repair that tightened it up.?

Brush plate too early for a 238, likely a 258/257 late with a single intermediate gear

Looks like friction tape to me too, probably for traction as mentioned previously by C.W.

Did you ever get it going?

we'll never know, he hasn't posted since Dec of last year.

Yea, I was hoping to wake um up again

You know how I get about this kinda gold

Some folks become "seasonal" posters too.

Didn't forget you guys, a passion is a passion, so we're clear. I did manage to get the engine all cleaned up as far as the contacts. With a new transformer, I set up a small oval, placed the engine on the track, and away we went. a little groggy at first but it worked nun the less. Even the headlamp still works. After a few rounds I packed it away until the I can get the platform done in the basement. I do appreciate the info and interest. Like anything it's about the journey and setting things up. Takes a while in my house but I have two boys that these will need to go to. Got to do it right.