Lionel Postwar 773 - What to Look For When Buying, etc.

Well the first thing I would check is the boiler casting for any signs of damage and next, if there are any missing or broken parts and third, does it work...

Marty

SJC posted:

All,

As some of you may know if you read my posts, I've made a complete change in my attitude toward Postwar. 18 months ago, I scoffed at the "rusty old junk" I saw as Postwar. Now, I've got 5 or 6 locos, several freight cars, etc.

 

Glad yo see the light!

From my experiences at York, $1,200 to $1,500 (or a shade more) is just about the right budget for an early 773. A later 773 would top out at about $900.

Generally the 773's have been well taken care of as they were expensive and exquisite back in their day.

Do some research on the hi-stack motors and figure out what your parameters in this regard are. I understand that the Hi-Stack motors were never installed by the factory, but were provided as an separate upgrade. Some point to better performance of the hi-stack, while others point to the originality of the original. If a hi-stack conversion was made, look at the quality of the conversion.

Other common modifications to have knowledge around are the changing of the magnet cover to add the third magnet and the addition of a 3rd magnet to the frame.

Uh oh, guess what! 

Tinplate is uniquely satisfying to run as well. 

There is a right time and place for them all 

If you can't quite make the price of the PW, I've found nothing wrong with the MPC reissues (except "The Mighty Sound Of Steam").

IMO, $1500 would be at the top end for a really nice 1950 773.   Prices are good right now ... but will probably decline.  Don't buy as an investment as I'm sure you realize.  

I say get both the '50 model and the '64 model.  You'll double your fun.  Really.  

There will probably be fewer problems with the 1950 version.  There is information in the service manual about improving its operation with a rework of the gear box.  Dennis Walden has published, on line, an expanded version of these rework instruction.  The wheels may be a problem to remove without damage, so it would be best if the axle bearings were in good shape so the wheels do not need to be removed. The mechanism that drives the smoke piston can be a problem, since it was added to an existing design.  The cross head has a small hook silver soldered to the piston rod on one side. It drives the smoke piston lever.  These is bearly  enough room for this and it can get caught in the recess for the screw that supports with crosshead guide support. The smoke lever has to be just right or it will interfere with full travel of the cross head.   These problems can result in damage to the two pins on the valve gear crank.  Check it to be sure it is tight.   I have had good operation with either motor.  The high stack motor is harder to get parts for.  When you get a loco the first thing you need to do is dissemble it to renew the grease in the gear box.   You can take the motor, eunit, and smoke unit all out as a group without unwiring anything.  Unsolder the wire to the rear roller assy. and then take the front collector lug out with the eunit.   The three lubrication screws on the underside of the loco are all marked "grease", but only the center hole should be greased.  The two outboard screws should have a little oil added to them to lubricate the oilite axle bearings.   Pilot and class lights on boiler front are fragel and need careful inspection.

Great engine. You will enjoy running. It has a high gear ratio with a two led worm, so it runs slower than most postwar engines. 

Thank you all, lots of good info here. I will print this out and take it with me. 

The wheels may be a problem to remove without damage, so it would be best if the axle bearings were in good shape so the wheels do not need to be removed.

The Lionel service manual also has something on 773 wheel removal.