Hey everyone! I recently discovered my late father’s Lionel train set and have been playing around with it a bit. There is a No. 346 Culvert Pipe Unloader Set and the string is not connected to any of the pulleys. I’m not sure where to start trying to re-thread it. I’ve seen some diagrams here and there but it seems like there should be two threads coming from the bottom part where the crank turns the thread and all I have is one string that isn’t connected to anything. Am I missing strings? Will I need to take this apart to re-thread it? If anyone has any advice or suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated!
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To get this working, you will need to find some replacement parts that are missing.
Magnetic hoist 345-65
Counterweight 345-25 and its lock screw 2333-116
Here is a re-print of the threading of the nylon line (reference Complete service manual for Lionel Trains by Aurotech copyright 1978)
Attachments
This accessory came in two versions. One had a manual crank that the operator would turn to move the nylon string. The other was using the "motorized" electromagnetic vibrating motor. The stringing will be just a little different between the two.
Also I see you will need a replacement roof. The part numbers listed are the "old" original part numbers.
Good luck on getting it back to running condition.
Thank you for the info! I have the counterweight and the magnetic hoist, they just aren’t attached to anything since it’s not threaded. I have the version with a manual crank. Ive been able to find the image that you attached with the full schematic but that is for the motorized version so I didn’t know what the differences were or if I should just try to recreate that schematic. I have the original manual that came with the set too but it only shows how to thread the pulley like in your first picture and doesn’t show the whole configuration. Do you happen to know what the differences are between the threading in the schematic that you posted and the manual crank version? Appreciate the help!
ADCX Rob posted your diagram at Help with Lionel 346 culvert unloader on this forum.
The diagram I have doesn't show the crank.
Thanks for posting the diagram for the manual crank version.
I was told that the manual version is the more rare version.
@DaveGG posted:Thanks for posting the diagram for the manual crank version.
I was told that the manual version is the more rare version.
I don't know if it is more rare than the 345 or not. The Culvert Unloading Station No. 346 was produced for Sears in 1964-65.