Has anybody attempted to repair/replace the very fragile vertical window strut in the 53 or other switchers? What did you use for materials? Was it partially/fully successful? Any suggestions in retrospect?
thanks
Dick
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Hi Dick,
I think the struts are available from parts suppliers. This is a fairly common repair. There are many repaired switchers on the market and you have to be careful purchasing them. Some guys are REALLY good at making these repairs and it is hard to tell.
Rich I got my replacement struts here.
Take a look at these:
https://jlmtrains.com/product/...otorized-units-pair/
I have a Lionel 57 AEC with these. As soon as you look inside, you see the tab and know it’s not original, but I think this looks better than having the strut broken. It’s like the whole strut with tabs on each end to be glued in place.
Thanks guys! Replacements! who would have thought! They will hear from me today!
Dick
As long as there is an "R" sticker OR other notification on the piece after a replacement is installed there is nothing wrong with fixing a strut to have a better looking piece.
I just trimmed a bit of Plastruct sheet styrene to fit. 
