Lionel Coal loader 397 rivets on the deflection screen

You could use #2 screws, washers, & nuts from Ace or a hobby shop in lieu of rivets.

I use the whole arbor press setup to install the 61-14 eyelet. Hobby Horse makes current reproductions. https://www.hobbyhorseproducts.com

I seem to recall others installing rivets with the Brakeman tool https://www.rivetin.com/

If this is your only repair of this nature, the tools are far from cost effective and best to find a local hobby shop/repair man to perform the work or use a substitute fastener as suggested above.

The 61-14 eyelet is 0.089 to 0.092" in diameter.  I would use the 0.088 rivet set tool against a flat avail. The small brass eyelets set with very little force, so the rivet tool used with a small hammer would probably do the job very nicely. 

I also drilled out the old rivets  and replaced them with miniature nuts and bolts.

Richard

I used small brass screws and nuts.  Otherwise you have to use eyelets and a tool designed to crimp them.

I used 2-56 nylon screws and nuts, and cut the screws flush after mounting.  Works great.

My count shows only two rivets, where are the other 395?

Chris S.

FireOne posted:

My count shows only two rivets, where are the other 395?

Chris S.

Can't tell if you are serious or joking...

397 refers to the original Lionel Catalog Number for the Coal Loader, #397.

It started I believe in 1938 with the #97 coal loader:

Followed by the related #98 Coal Bunker:

The #397 followed on in 1948:

The ultimate family evolution was the 497:

The Lionel 456 paired with the 397 to make for exciting continuous loop operations:

BMORAN4, I couldn't resist teasing the rivet counters a little.  I do love your pics with notes though.  I am a Postwar guy, so I am a little off anyway.

Chris S.

I know logical thinking would be the 97 came before the 98, but wasn't it the othe way around with the 98 being a pre war item and the 97 a postwar item?

The 97 and 98 were introduced in the prewar era, 1938 to be specific, and the 97 carried over into the postwar period.

And do not forget the #96, the manual version of the #97.  The #97 being the only version carried over to the Post War period.

Jesse   TCA

Thanks for the replies and the history lesson.