Lionel Vision Challenger - cab apron hinge replacement

i would ask Alex M he does videos for repaired to show others how to repair lionel engines!

Alan

Pete (Norton on OGR) has done a lot of aprons on his engines, maybe you should consider improving the apron.  One of the problems that Lionel and MTH both have is the apron only goes slightly past horizontal.  If it gets forced up any farther, it breaks it!  What you really need is a hinge that allows it to go well past horizontal so it won't break in normal operation.

They are all a bit different. I would have to see a picture of this one. 

Pete

Here are photos with the yellow arrows showing the fracture point in the hinge part.

This break was not caused by locomotive operation but rather shipping damage.

Peter C, would you happen to have the Lionel model number?

@Peter C posted:

Here are photos with the yellow arrows showing the fracture point in the hinge part.

This break was not caused by locomotive operation but rather shipping damage.

That one is made like the Niagaras. Not a good design. As you already figured out the piece can be removed but you will have to do some disassembly. I would be surprised if Lionel sells that part though. JB Weld might hold together. You can try contacting Lionel about a replacement.

Looks like you are in luck, They make a right and left hand.

Pete

Hi Rick,

Lionel model number is 1931790.

Cab apron parts appear very similar (if not identical) for these 2019 Vision Line Challengers, the 2010 Vision Line Challengers, and the 2000 JLC Challengers.

I’m hoping that I’m not the first person attempting to replace one of those apron hinges!

Thanks.

Peter

Thanks Norton. Coincidentally, I think I already have a replacement hinge! A couple of years ago, I purchased from Lionel all of the cab apron components for my 2000 JLC Challenger, fearing that it would break someday. The parts diagrams on Lionel’s website appear to indicate that all of their scale Challengers share the same apron parts. However, I may not be so forward thinking since the disassembly required to change that part may be beyond my ability level!

Looks like you have to remote the shell to get to the screws.  That's actually not a huge job, but you do have to be careful of the fragile wiring.  If you do remove it, do NOT pull on wires, you need to actually work the connector out of the socket without undue strain on the connector.

To get Lionel plugs out of their receps, I have used a very small flat head screwdriver (I have a set of Wiha screw drivers I use on my Lionels); I gently work a driver on the sides of the head of a plug (twisting the flat blade to separate the plug from its recep) being careful not to gouge the plug; slow and patient

And what GRJ said.

Thanks Gunrunner & Rick. I’m pretty confident about my ability to remove & reinstall the shell. I have done it with my Lionel JLC Challenger. However, it looks like the lower boiler shell (includes cab floor) then needs to be removed from the frame in order to access the critical  screw... this is where I feel like I’m way in deeper than my pay grade!

PeterC: maybe there are some other fellas on the forum that have done this and can help; got loads of help on repairing my VL Big boy.

Thank you to everyone for your help! I talked to Alex M who has a lot of experience with this kind of thing. I am sending my Challenger to him since the part replacement probably requires removal of both the upper and lower boiler halves.