LIONEL VL HUDSON DRIVE TRAIN

Hey Alex, nice video. How did you take the shell off this engine? When I went to open up mine there was a tiny metal piece connecting the side rods to the shell. Is there a way that you disattached this? Also, would you recommend that someone like myself without much experience try to take an engine like this apart or send it to an expert? 

Good job Alex.  That is one of the best engines Lionel ever made.    I was very happy when it was released with the RCMC board system.   I base how good an engine is by the number that come in for repair.   People should take note on what is done for service you are doing.   Grease, tires, smoke unit service like you are doing will keep this engine going strong for years.   My own  Hudson is getting done if repairs slow down.   This is by far the best Hudson ever built by Lionel.   They are strong on the market.  As you know I also had a black one.  Big mistake on my part for letting it go.  I am just happy it went to a friend of ours.  I love my grey Hudson.  I did not want to make that mistake again and ordered both a black and grey Niagara.

NSDTRAINS, Alex is in Jersey.  He would be the guy to take good care of your locomotive. 

NSDTrains posted:

Hey Alex, nice video. How did you take the shell off this engine? When I went to open up mine there was a tiny metal piece connecting the side rods to the shell. Is there a way that you disattached this? Also, would you recommend that someone like myself without much experience try to take an engine like this apart or send it to an expert? 

The piece there is the lubricator lever, and you just have to unscrew it with a small socket wrench to fully remove the shell. I’ve had many Lionel Hudson’s, and this is crucial to know. Lionel did improve this over the old way of putting the lever in on the older 700E’s which had to be carefully placed in a slot. For me, this was always tedious.

Thanks Alex!

I wish all these threads could be under 1 category.  They are a valuable asset to us.

Marty I love that picture!

NSDTrains posted:

Hey Alex, nice video. How did you take the shell off this engine? When I went to open up mine there was a tiny metal piece connecting the side rods to the shell. Is there a way that you disattached this? Also, would you recommend that someone like myself without much experience try to take an engine like this apart or send it to an expert? 

Just what Thomas said above, use a mini socket wrench and it will unscrew quite easily. As for taking off the shell anyone can take a shell off, but there is a lot going on inside these engines. You'll run the risk of pulling a wire out or pinching one.

Alex

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

Good job Alex.  That is one of the best engines Lionel ever made.    I was very happy when it was released with the RCMC board system.   I base how good an engine is by the number that come in for repair.   People should take note on what is done for service you are doing.   Grease, tires, smoke unit service like you are doing will keep this engine going strong for years.   My own  Hudson is getting done if repairs slow down.   This is by far the best Hudson ever built by Lionel.   They are strong on the market.  As you know I also had a black one.  Big mistake on my part for letting it go.  I am just happy it went to a friend of ours.  I love my grey Hudson.  I did not want to make that mistake again and ordered both a black and grey Niagara.

NSDTRAINS, Alex is in Jersey.  He would be the guy to take good care of your locomotive. 

 

Hi Marty , thanks !

I totally agree with you this engine is a workhorse, a bit of maintenance and they're good to go. I LOVE that picture too WOW !!!!!!

Thanks, Alex

MartyE posted:

Thanks Alex!

I wish all these threads could be under 1 category.  They are a valuable asset to us.

Marty I love that picture!

Hi Marty thanks , I'm always glad to help out .

Alex

Thanks Alex,

I always enjoy watching you open up these engines. The only thing better would be sitting next to you at the work bench when you do the work.

Take care,

Richard

Richard Gonzales posted:

Thanks Alex,

I always enjoy watching you open up these engines. The only thing better would be sitting next to you at the work bench when you do the work.

Take care,

Richard

 

Hi Richard ,

Thanks for the kind words. I know you live far but you’re welcomed anytime 

Alex 

Alex curious when you lubricate the drive train do you use an actual grease or oil lubricant to avoid gunk build upon the drive train or gears,There has been a debate about the pros and cons of each I have seen some use an oil.Your Thoughts?

Alex,

Timing is everything 😃!

I made the trip to Fort Dix, NJ eight years in a row in the summer back in my Army Reserve days. I think you’re a little North of there but it would have been a workable trip on the weekend.

Thanks for the invite, who knows, maybe one of these days.

Richard

dk122trains posted:

Alex curious when you lubricate the drive train do you use an actual grease or oil lubricant to avoid gunk build upon the drive train or gears,There has been a debate about the pros and cons of each I have seen some use an oil.Your Thoughts?

Hi Don

Here’s what I use and it works well  I get it from Jeb at mega steam 

Thanks Alex will have to try.

Alex.

Thanks for posting the video.  You make things look simple.  I am sure the owner will enjoy many more years with his Hudson and will NEVER look under the hood Thanks for the GREAT work

Brent