I am trying to install a ballast weight in a 1946 Lionel 2020 engine but this first version of the engine is a bit different than the later ones. I purchased a 671-219 weight but it is not correct. It is to long and hits the e unit and the frame is also different than the later engines. Has any body done this install before?
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It's way too big to fit with the horizontal E-unit and the 671S conversion hardware.
Well that is true and also what I found out. Dose anybody make a correct weight for this engine or do I have to modify this one and figure it out myself?
I installed one about 20 years ago. Took some extreme modification of the weight. Total mass of weight was about 60o/o of starting weight. Made pulling slightly better. If I had to do it again I would machine the two rear drivers for a traction tire.
I think you are trying to accomplish something that isn't meant to be done, without a lot of work involved. Rob included the paperwork for adding the ballast, and you just have to read the FIRST line (to later models, i.e. 1947 and later). The frame for the 1946 version is totally different from the later versions, and although I don't own a 'Smoke Bulb' version, it appears that you don't have the needed area to drill and tap holes in the frame to attach it. The Smoke bulb would have to be changed to the heater type, and you would have to remove quite a bit of the ballast, to make it fit. I don't think it is meant to be done, but I may be wrong. It looks like a lot of work to accomplish it!!
Time for a layer of 'Bullfrog Snot' on the rear drivers.
OriginalMadman posted:Dose anybody make a correct weight for this engine
No.
OriginalMadman posted:or do I have to modify this one and figure it out myself?
Yes.
Or, to simplify the task and achieve your desired results, just use the tape-a-weights we used to balance mag wheels - they are readily available quite reasonably at Harbor Freight or on eBay.
I did forget to mention that engine already has the smoke unit upgrade done to it. These engines really do need the extra weight added up front. with the boiler body off the frame it almost tips by itself towards the rear. So its really just being driven on the 2 rear drive wheel. I will get this one figured out and post pictures when I'm done. Thanks for all your suggestions.
Dave W.
@OriginalMadman posted:I did forget to mention that engine already has the smoke unit upgrade done to it. These engines really do need the extra weight added up front. with the boiler body off the frame it almost tips by itself towards the rear. So its really just being driven on the 2 rear drive wheel. I will get this one figured out and post pictures when I'm done. Thanks for all your suggestions.
Dave W.
@OriginalMadman did you ever get this done?
George
Yeah, I know, 6 + years ago 
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