Lionel Pre War 254 brushes

Here is a snapshot of a page from Olsen's CD that shows brush and brush plate PNs.

I would be careful about ordering anything without a picture of it, as I don't think anyone makes brushes on copper fingers/tabs like that. 

The brush mounted to a holder was a 73 or a 73-1. It was listed for all O gauge motors with a few exceptions. In 1939 this changed to 1-92 brush.  This change must have also come with a change in the brush plate. The 73 brush is copper gauze and appears to be pined to the stamped copper holder.  The gauze brushes, with out a holder, are listed for standard gauge and are M-49. Those might be a place to start for a replacement. I picked up a few of the 73 brushes in a junk box one time. I have no idea where to get replacements, but they are probably available out there somewhere. You might post this question on the TCA blog.

Nation Wide is correct as far as I know. Different parts people have been working on getting new brushes back in stock but no real progress yet. At one time Hennings had replacement kits and Jeff Kane had brushes that weren't tinned so soldering was out. But I don't think anyone has anything right now. The original ones were actually pinned in the holder. What I've started to do is grind that pin so you pull it out one side and custom fit old brushes say from a 262 motor. Be sure your replacement brush will accept solder. It's a tedious chore but can be done with good results. You'll also need to center the brushes on the armature face since the original are a tad smaller in diameter. Final trim to length with a small file.

I have been looking and no one makes quality replacements at the moment.

I've had an eye out for these as well for my collection of early Lionel 150 series locomotives.  They were reproduced years ago, but the one parts dealer I found that had any in stock was only willing to let one set go at a rather premium price.  Aside from that (after about a month of searching), I've yet to locate any more sets.

I believe Jeff Kane mentioned that he was considering having a run made so if there's enough interested parties that contact him then perhaps that would expedite his considerations.

You could try contacting the folks at TRAINWX 610. This should get you to the website - https://trainwx.com    Paul was working on making up replacement sets but not sure his progress lately

I have been looking for awhile also. Jeff still doesn't have them. John you mentioned solderable brushes. Would you have a part number and someone who makes them? Right now I have about 8 humpbacks that need them

Jim, nobody is making them as of now. The last ones Jeff had, had to be super glued in. The solderable brushes I mentioned are old left overs from Lionel type 6,7,8 motors. You usually can't solder the top directly unless it's in really good shape but the side of the brush will work. The newer replacement brushes #92 won't work for solder. Avoid the wire gauze brushes unless you're not gonna run it much. If contacting Paul, I highly doubt he's assigned a part number

Years back mine came from TTender Jeff Kane they were suppose to be glue in.

When they came there was silver colored spot on top of brush so i put in holder and just a itsy tiny piece of solder and its held since.

I have broke a few with solder gun as well too much heat and the brush just crushes itself. Just heat the top of brush holder with solder briefly until it grabs brush if that makes any sense.

Id love some too - have 6 or more engines running those