Lionel 2037 loco -- old sparky

Would it be possible for you to post some pictures of the front showing the cracked area?

Hmmmmm... Sounds as if that 2037, like many of that era would qualify to be put

in the "Shelf Queen" category, to me.

The sparking is not safe.

Thanks Lenny J, photo just posted.

Remove the pilot from the engine, 2 truckplate screws and 2 pilot mount screws. you can carefully bend the pilot back with pliers and a vise to hold the pilot. Work slow to avoid breaking off all together. Then use some steel epoxy (similar to JBWeld we have here in the states.) to fill the gap. Then touch up the black paint. If worst comes to worst, replacement pilot assemblies are still commonly available here from people like me.

Chuck

www.only3Rail.com

If you try to bend the pilot with pliers, you will likely break it.  The pilot is made from a diecast zinc alloy.  It will bend if it is done slowly over a few days.  

Clamp the cow catcher to a bench with the loco upside down to the edge of your bench with the loco hanging over the edge of the bench.  The weight of the loco will cause the cow catcher to slowly bend back into position.  I straightened out the corner of the cab of a 2025 this way.  

Hobbyist, great advice above to fix your problem with the 2037.  I 

purchased one of these about ten years ago.  Had new armature's

and brushes put in.  A little light oil, and bingo, one great runner.

I hope you can get it fixed, you will not be disppointed.

Many thanks,

Billy C 

It's not junk, and it's not a shelf queen. The above advice is good. I'm guessing the crack is the white line in front of the battery box? You can do as stated above and try and bend it back into place and epoxy it together as one option. Another option would be to file the bottom of the cowcatcher down a little, and lastly, these pilots can be purchased new or used in multiple places, including e-bay. Your main issue would be shipping, of course.

For a "quick fix" put some electrical tape (the shiny type, not 'friction tape') on the bottom of the cow catcher.  This should stop the shorts.  This is only a temporary fix until you can get a replacement pilot.

Tom B

Thanks for photo, the other members gave great advice but if you choose to replace you need a part number. I think the number is 2026-54. Hopefully another member will verify and possibly have one. If your in a rush contact the Train Tender (Jeff Kane ) and he'll set you straight on the number and if he has any. Good luck !!! Lenny J

the 2037, like many of that era, are great runners, and never meant to be shelf queens. Fix the crack and run it.

A repro 2037 steam chest cost about $25 on eBay. Originals in condition similar to your engine cost as little as $10 or $15 at shows and on eBay. I had a repro pink one I found in a box. About a month ago I sold it for $15. I have no idea what the fees would be to get thru customs in your country, but overall it should not be expensive compared to the engine's value.

A big Thank You to everyone who's replied!  I will attempt to repair the front assembly (slowly!) -- I'm very appreciative for all the great advice on how to go forward with this.

As a quick check, I taped the bottom of the cow-catcher and indeed it runs without (much) sparking -- but the angle seems to encourge the front wheels to run off the rails.  The loco is clearly trying to run -- just needs some help  :-)