Lionel 28069 Problem Solved!

@Norton posted:

I believe it was Bob2 back in the original Niagara gear thread who pointed out the best Delrin gears are cut, not molded and that NWSL plastic gears were cut. Stock Drive Parts offered a Delrin gear in the same sizes as the Lionel gear that was also cut but it turned out the SDP gears are a straight cut spur gear vs the helical gear Lionel uses. The helix is very subtle though and only obvious when placed next to the spur gear.

Pete

I stand corrected, ....I wouldn’t have thought a nylon gear would be cut in the same fashion a brass gear would be.......but then again, I’ve always avoided a nylon or any plastic gear like it’s got the plaque......and I own a couple with plastic gears.....🤢🤮

Pat

I believe Bob also mentioned there are different grades of Delrin too. Maybe he will chime in if he sees this thread.

These are the SDP gears I modified to fit the Niagara. Before I installed them Mike announced he was going to make the brass gears. Given what a chore it is to install the geras I opted to just wait for Lionel's. You might be able to see how close the SDP straight cut gears are to Lionel's helical gears at the top.

Pete

there are companies that machine plastic gears for RC car use. Maybe try Robinson Racing Products?

N.W.S.L. gears installed, engine still runs great and quiet, five years later. Wish I could figure out how to upload a video from my phone to here. Going back to playing with trains, now that I have solved the problem that Lionel left us with for several years.

@dukeofnuke posted:

N.W.S.L. gears installed, engine still runs great and quiet, five years later. Wish I could figure out how to upload a video from my phone to here. Going back to playing with trains, now that I have solved the problem that Lionel left us with for several years.

If your video has been posted to youtube you use the directions poated here.

https://ogrforum.com/...a-youtube-video-here

If it still resides on your computer simply hit the link below the box that you type your messages in that says, "Add Attachments". Select your video and it will compress it and upload it.

Pete

Tried to upload video, didn't work. Haven't uploaded it to UTUBE. But, I have come up with a workable solution. That is after Lionel left all of us with a useless engine for YEARS. It wasn't until I came up with the solution, that Lionel decided to help 16 years later. Go figure.

Lifetime guaranteed by N.W.S.L. and quiet because they are delrin and NOT bronze.

Can see video to you IF you send your email address to dukeofnuke. No scammers please.

Still looking for tender instructions for #6024. How do you add smoke fluid, and then release it.  Once again, no help from Lionel. Can't play with your trains, unless you know how!

dukeofnuke - I'm baffled by your inquiry as to how to add smoke fluid to the tender as it sounds like you're thinking of the most recent Legacy release of the Niagara (which has the ability to release smoke from the base of the tender to represent a 'water' effect) when in fact your engine is a Century Club II release from several years ago, is not Legacy equipped, and doesn't have the aforementioned water effect.

dukeofnuke - As for the general instructions relating to this particular engine (and/or tender) I assume you have the Owner's Manual for it.  However, if you don't and you'd be interested in reviewing it just call up 'Lionel Support' or type in 'Lionel Service Manuals', then select Resources on the top left hand side, type in the product number (6-28069) in the space provided and click on Search, and voila - the Owner's Manual will be listed and all you have to do is click on it and it will open. (Note: I already skimmed through it and it doesn't say anything about adding smoke to the tender). 

I have already downloaded the instructions from Lionel for my 6-28069. No mention of loading smoke fluid into the tender, or how to activate it. But there is a movable lid on the back of the tender? Plus there are bent tubes above the truck's on the back of the tender? Decoration, I think not. Just want to get all of the "play" out of ALL of my trains, now that I have this one running again.

In that case you will have to install your own smoke unit and figure out a way to activate it.

Pete

So then I take it that the 6024 version of the 6-2069 Niagara does not have a smoke unit in the tender If that is the case, why the lid on top of the back of the tender with small holes? Just another one of life's little misteries that needs an answer. Not like Lionel to add a useless feature for no reason. Not cost effective.

@dukeofnuke posted:

So then I take it that the 6024 version of the 6-2069 Niagara does not have a smoke unit in the tender If that is the case, why the lid on top of the back of the tender with small holes? Just another one of life's little misteries that needs an answer. Not like Lionel to add a useless feature for no reason. Not cost effective.

It’s called a detail ......opening hinges and hatches are part of the details .....cast in parts lack that extra bit of ooomph....

Pat

Did you download the manual? Sounds like you really need to review it.

@dukeofnuke posted:

So then I take it that the 6024 version of the 6-2069 Niagara does not have a smoke unit in the tender If that is the case, why the lid on top of the back of the tender with small holes? Just another one of life's little misteries that needs an answer. Not like Lionel to add a useless feature for no reason. Not cost effective.

Many times the volume control and sound on/off switch are under that hatch.

Pete

@dukeofnuke posted:

So then I take it that the 6024 version of the 6-2069 Niagara does not have a smoke unit in the tender?  If that is the case, why the lid on top of the back of the tender with small holes?   Just another one of life's little mysteries that needs an answer.

Ok, I will ask!   I've been involved with O gauge trains for a lot of years... but, what is N.W.S.L?

@RadioRon posted:

Ok, I will ask!   I've been involved with O gauge trains for a lot of years... but, what is N.W.S.L?

Northwest Short Line. Its not just insider jargon. They are pretty much known by their initials.

https://nwsl.com

Pete

Looked at the bottom of the tender. Switch is for railsounds/signal sounds. Also there is a volume control. Looks like there is no need to worry about fried smoke unit batting. Problem solved, THANKS!

That means: more time to play with trains!

dukeofnuke - Yep, those switches are just as illustrated on page 9 of the Owner's Manual.  Earlier you said you'd downloaded the Owner's Manual for this loco but I'm wondering if you actually familiarized yourself with what it said.  It's amazing what's contained therein.

Enjoy your Niagara and I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Yup, read, and reread the manual. No mention of tender functions other than sounds. Also read some earlier manuals of Lionels Century Club ll Niagara's. I think there were six iterations, if l remember correctly. Some did have "water effect" smoke units.  But no adjustments to be made under the sand dome, or tender, on my units. More train time, l say!