I recently purchased a Lionel 318 that is original condition but heavily used. I'll let the photos show what needs to be done to get this unit operational. Here are a few notes not shown:
1. Resistance field 1.5, each of the three armature plates were 1.4
2. Axle bearings had to be reamed out to .182 with a #14 drill bit to accommodate the new axles. I will probably ream out the new wheels to .177 with a #16 drill bit to fit snugly on the axles.
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Great project! Please keep us posted on progress. Winter is here and you reminded me to re-visit my Lionel 390e restoration. 
I got the motor put together and operating poorly. After a minute or two of running the armature shaft bearing started to squel for more oil plus there was vibration that varied by RPM. Found the front and rear armature shaft bearings were worn. Armature shaft measured .110, bearing measured .116. Used a caliper to measure the armature shaft and numbered drill bits to measure the bearing. I used a punch to remove armature gear from the armature shaft. Replacement bearings are SM-17 and SL-22.
Stew,
The bearings, wheels, axles etc. are all available on our website. Harry 
If I'm counting teeth correctly, the first stage is 4:1 and the 2nd stage is 5.25:1 for a total of 21:1. That's awesome for spur gears. Why weren't Lionel's postwar steam locos geared like this!?
Ran into some part issues. What I discovered is this motor was the 1923/24 Super Motor. The parts I got were for the later Super Motor. I have the Olsen hardbound books and I could not find info on this early Motor. Here are some pics of the old parts and their part number. I did get the coaches and engine shell stripped and primed. The SL45-49 compound gear is for later versions of the Super Motor.
Stew,
The large wheel gear was only listed as far as I know as part # SM-74 ,which was the replacement wheel w/ gear already mounted for $ .75 retail. Bowser recently ( about 5 - 10 years ago ) manufactured the wheels for the early Super Motor. They are no longer made, and the molds were scrapped several years ago. I bought the remaining stock, and still have a half dozen sets still left if you need wheels. I also have the individual large gears, original, available at $5.00 ea. part # SM-74G.
Harry
Here are some updates on my restore of my 318. I used the Classic Color train paint. Auto Body Supply put the paint into spray cans. Three light to medium coats. Only things to finish up on the engine is finding a pantograph and cleaning up the ground plane for the lights. Will finish out the passenger cars this week.
The motor has been redone with the gears?? Looks good, another 70years or so of service. Enjoy. I do mine.
EXCELLENT rehab of a venerable Lionel SG loco! :-) Also like your cute little admirer!
My brown 318. I just got this guy rolling again. Need two bulbs. For some reason this one has bigger sockets than the others. Always something. He pulls some nice brown baby states I'm lucky to have. I really like the 318. Distinctive body style. The clerestory roof. A step up from the shoebox shaped #8 and the Dutch barn looking #10 & 380. I also have a dark gray that I think I need to work on. Been a bit since I had track down. I think I have enough track left over from setting my dad up to get some trains running. Well, the box is right in front of me, maybe I should. Nice project. Cheers.
A 318 was my first toy train. Still have it and run it after 79 yrs. Have another now, too. I like the #8 for a smaller train and have bought two at decent prices for spare motors-if I need one. I have a 380 that runs good. Spending time and $$ getting the Standard gaugers running good until I get a nice layout, I have enough engines and cars now in O and SG for awhile.
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