Lionel Switch Engine Question

Bill, I had one of these when they first came out. The only thing I know about them was they were a early MPC original engine. Maybe the first. Remember up tell that time MPC was just remaking old Lionel designs. The steamer only had forward and reverse and no front coupler. The back coupler was not operational. I think a later version had front couplers. Also as I recall a old time designer for Lionel did the design work. They were a simple engine but at the time it was exciting for us Lionel fans that something entirely new was coming out. Don

"...MPC original engine..."

What was MPC?

Incidently, I paid $10.50 for it plus $5 shpg.

Lionel had diversified into other businesses and was looking to leave the toy train market. As a result, in 1969 Lionel reached an agreement with General Mills to begin making Lionel trains under license beginning in 1970. General Mills assigned the Lionel division to its subsidiary Model Products Corporation [MPC], and a new era of Lionel trains was born.

By the way when your little engine came out MPC only made a small Hudson, a simplified 0-4-0 die cast steam switcher and your Docksider. Don

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel,_LLC

OK, so my little Lionel switch engine arrived. When I put it on the track it ran but sparks are coming out from under the bottom...and it stops after it has run about 10 feet. The pickup and the wheels don't look dirty but I don't have any denatured alcohol to swipe them with. What else can I use?

I use mineral spirits.