Where can I find information on how to install pickup rollers on a Lionel prewar 253 engine?
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Nick you may or may not find any instructions.
I have replaced many over the years in pre war and postwar engines here at home.
Using pointy end pliers one end of pickup bracket is spread a little off of the roller then the other end before deciding which end to spread out enough to take roller out.
After new roller put on the ends are the squeezed (bent) back on making sure the roller will easily spin when all said and done.
Hope this helps.
That helps but then I looked again. The engine has the pickup roller assembly intact. It has one pickup roller but the other one is broken off and a new one cannot be attached. If I have to replace the entire pickup roller unit how do I do that or will the engine work with one pickup roller only? It is a prewar 253. Also where is the best place to get what I need?
Nick, the part you need for the entire pickup unit is SLS-40. I see on Ebay that Trainz has them. also JLM Trains, Both on Ebay, You can see picture there.
If you need to replace the whole pick-up assembly you will need to spread the motor frame slightly to get a screwdriver blade between the fiber plate and motor frame and wedge out. This can be a little tricky. Pliers and hand strength won't do the job. You need a special tool to spread the frame while working the screwdriver. Then getting the new one in without breaking off the fiber tabs on the new one without breaking off. This may be needed to be taken to a competent repair shop.
The above poster said it best what needs to be done.
The 253 can run ok with just 1 roller as long as there are no switches on the layout were it will probably stall on.
Have seen where folks solder on roller part on broken side but best to replace the whole assembly to fix properly.
@Chuck Sartor posted:If you need to replace the whole pick-up assembly you will need to spread the motor frame slightly to get a screwdriver blade between the fiber plate and motor frame and wedge out. This can be a little tricky. Pliers and hand strength won't do the job. You need a special tool to spread the frame while working the screwdriver. Then getting the new one in without breaking off the fiber tabs on the new one without breaking off. This may be needed to be taken to a competent repair shop.
@Chuck Sartor I too have a steamer buried somewhere that needs an entire roller assy. Would it make sense to destroy the existing roller assy in such a way as to remove it but not damage the side plates by attempting to spread them, and then shaving two of the tabs a bit on the new assy, and then use a spreader to fit them in? That way the frame would be subjected to only ONE spreading and that spread would be minimized by shaving the tabs a bit. Would you recommend that procedure?
FWIW, Bild-A-Loco got that part right! Just removes screws, insert new roller assy, replace screws, done!
George
I suppose you could do it that way, but there is not much to start with on the tabs to shave off. If you take too much off, the collector assembly will collapse inside the motor frame from the downward pressure from the springs when placed on the rail. If you try to 'destroy' by ripping up the fiber plate, you will probably ruin the nameplate that I reuse when replacing the assembly.
I use a spreader designed to open the battery clamps on a car battery and a thin screwdriver as a lever. The nee fiber replacements are not as thick so fit in easier. I got the copper rivets so i attach the builders plate to the newpick up assembly
Also, the original fiber board can be used over if in good enough condition
