I took a chance on a weird listing and came up with a LIONEL C420 Nickel Plate Road #577
I could tell it had some pilot issues - and it does. - Wasn't put back together right at some point, frame sort of bulging from the shell.
The louvers on the cab windows are also gone...seems a common problem on this model. Looks like a few touches of sharpie marker might cover the white spots where the louvers broke off. I can live with that.
Took the shell off - lots of electronics - turns out to be the TMCC version!
Put in on a test track and off it went - seemed very smooth and quiet - impressive!
I could hear the RailSounds - so they seemed to be working also.
The only major issue is the pilots - one is loose and the other is cracked and nearly broken.
Looks like I need to remove the trucks to get the pilots off.
From what I can tell on the LIONEL website - these parts seem to be available. I also need some the various frame to shell screws and washers.
If anybody could give me a quick primer on removing those trucks that would be a big help!
Also - I understand the use of the battery - is it advised to keep one in there if you're using the loco regularly?
