Some time ago there was a thread regarding repair of this accessory when its motion became balky or stalled, even though the motor was humming away. I encountered this with a recent issue of this accessory in a collection we (wife&I) bought. The thread went on to say that the culprit was a (classic and ubiquitous
) split gear in the drive train. Responses to the original thread indicated that Lionel was not providing repair parts for the drive internals for this accessory. (It is, indeed, rather a challenge to get inside of it!)
Well, I confirmed this on my reactor. But, I also noted that in the driveline was a badly worn drive belt.
Long story shortened....through a discussion with Dave Rygmyr at Northwest Shortline, the gear people, we determined that NWSL did not have a proper replacement gear in their current product line. However, after consideration, Dave (and Lynda, his wife/CFO/CMO) agreed to create a new product, #2947-6 (0.5mod, 10-tooth, 6.0mm OD, 2.0 mm slip bore, 5mm face width). The gear is machined from Delrin and is designed to be press-fit over the knurled area of the shaft in the accessory. The 5mm face width ensures adequate engagement with the mating spur gear. I installed the new gear and can report it works perfectly.
Regarding the drive belt....found a perfect replacement at the following site:
It is their part number SBS2.4. Installed...works perfectly. BTW, this site has a whole bunch of drivebelts that I believe might be applicable to Lionel accessory drives...I'd keep it handy!
The reactor is now fully functional...in all of its funkiness!...I'm happy to report.
And, so, a very special thank-you to Dave and Lynda Rygmyr at Northwest Shortline!
Hope this will be of help to someone, someday.
KD
