Lionel 497 (Postwar) Coal Loader and Operating Track Question RSE

The UCS/RCS is not used with the 497.  The track ("O" or "O-27") snaps into the base of the loader.  You will need the 3656-67 "O" gauge power blade and the 3656-66 "O" gauge ground clip for use with "O" track.

All functions are controlled from the 497c Controller. 

Dan,  This accessory was designed to be used with regular straight sections of track.  The dumping action is accomplished using the power blade and ground blades on the base.  They fit between the rails and make contact with the coal car which will then dump the coal load into the recieving bin.  No special operating track section is needed.

Do you have the new version of the 494 or the post war version. I know the post war version doesn't use the UCS or the 6019, but something tells me the new version uses the UCS,,,,,,am I right here?

Rod

The unit in the picture is Post-War style, with power blade operation.  You'll want two #12040 Lionel FasTrack to "O" Gauge track transition pieces, and one #65500 "O" Gauge straight.

Jon 

thanks everyone for your replies.  so am i to infer that the power blade should make contact with the 3469 cars truck contact in order to dump?  

my power blade seems to be significantly lower than the installed 65500 track which makes me think it was purchased with a o27 blade (no regular o gauge blade in the box (original box)  so the power blade appears to be riveted in place how to go about doing this? 

does anyone have a link for the original 497 manual, or a source for the proper power blade?  will start my search now.

Thanks for the advice!

Dan

The power blade pulls straight up & out, and can be purchased at many places HERE.

Thanks Rob, I would never have thought to pull that up!  wish I had some documents :-)    I made an order for the correct blade... my luck someone had the O-27 blade on it....  so that will make it dump right?

Anyone have a link to documentation?  I used to have a source on line that had manuals for all sorts of things, can't find it now...

Thanks

Dan

Here you are, Dan. I scanned this from Lionel's 1953 instruction booklet: HOW TO OPERATE LIONEL TRAINS AND ACCESSORIES.

You will also need the 3656-66 "O" gauge ground clip to work with "O" track.  It clips over the raised ground tab.

The 1954 booklet has a closeup of power and ground clips (blades) and the method of placing the track in the base.

Readingfan, thank you for both scans, this is very helpful indeed!

Rob, thanks for that additional info too, the one I purchased did come with the ground clip as well.