Lionel #153 engine reverse switch question

Looks right to me.  The actuator rod is normally threaded, with a small binding post nut attached.  I have seen bent rods like your though.  2 holes are normal.

Thanks much Rob!  The post knob not being there, threw me off. 

John

Never had the opportunity to obtain a 153 and always noted the reversing lever pointing out the end of the loco. Never looked up on how it works.
Olsen's library doe not list the 153 and both the earlier and later 254 do not list the reversing mechanism, just a schematic.
Interesting on how it works.

Thanks for posting, now I know.

Agree Ron, didn't have much luck with Olsen's either. Still haven't figured out the Lionel part number for the reverse unit- hopefully will never need it. Spring loaded ball bearings on one plate that make contact on other plate depending on position.  Basically a 150 humpback motor with second generation 152 brushes/holder and screw on the reverse unit and ya got a #153. Lionel knew how to market items in the day.

Just bought this piece and wanted to make sure it was authentic because of the above. Am no 100% guru but all indicators say I paid a fair price since the motor was serviced in a professional manner, having done a couple myself, it's easy to wrap up $ in parts. Probably the last one of the 150 series I'll tackle.

JHS

The set up is correct. The switch piece is correct and original. The rod is not. The one end was straight with threads to attach a threaded nut, the other was shaped like a Z and was inserted into the hole on the tab. Easy to make a replacement from a bicycle spoke.

Tin

Ah hah! Thanks Tin! Makes perfect sense. Would you happen to have a photo for fellow readers?

JHS

Thanks Joe,  the photo is great. Shows the switch from a different angle. But as Tin points out, the lever for a #153 worked differently is what I gather.

I did a mock up photo, by no means complete but might help others, as I get Tin's point. In this case, the lever needs to pass through the cab hole and is pulled or pushed in. JHS

Yes, the 153 is different. Sorry about that.

No problem at all Joe. Helps expand/ explain. Thanks again.

JHS

No photo of the rod, sorry. Sold my early loco's a while ago.

Tin

I have (2) 153 locomotives.  The first two pictures show one of the 153's with the original reversing switch, original rod and screw on knob. 

The other two pictures show the other 153 with a prewar reversing switch that I modified to work.  I made the operating rod out of #12 copper wire and the knob is a round brass screw off of a light fixture which I soldered to the rod..  It works fine but some day I hope to find the correct switch, rod and knob.

Jim Lawson

Great photos Jim, thanks!  One thing I notice on the original level is the bent angle of the rod,  supposed to stop it inside the cab...? Which makes sense.

On your modified version is interesting as it would seem to coincide with the photo Joe sent? Carefully bend the tab to accept your handmade lever..is what I gather.

Once I get a lever rod fab'd will be sure to post photos.

John

Hi John,  yes I bent the tab but after I bent it I noticed some "tearing" in the metal at the bend so I reinforced it with epoxy.

Jim

Thanks to all for the help so far. Photos are my attempt to fab a lever similar to original. Homegrown approach but ran through the paces and works fine. I didn't have a 4-40 NC die to run threads but the brass nut cuts it own on copper wire pretty well. Also found that a one gallon paint can handle is the right dia. but without being able to cut threads opted out. Would suggest making the copper lever first, use it for a template for final steel lever as bends/lengths can be touchy. Not perfect but might help some folks get started in the right direction.  The main drawback on the lever, and see no way around it no matter what linkage, is it protrudes in reverse mode. Several runs with cars attached, worked fine, but it looks odd. Probably why Lionel ditched this version...

Feel free to critique.  John

John,

Looks great.  You bent yours much better than I bent mine.  Your neatly bent operating rod makes me want to try again.  Again, nice job.

Jim

Thanks Jim,  one thing I would point out to folks is I labeled the wire size incorrectly in the drawing. It is 12ga not 16! Sorry for the mistake.

John