I am new to Lionel prewar (tinplate?) rolling stock. I am slowly acquiring a small consist to go with my 1666 engine. I would appreciate some help with the 2810. I've not had much luck searching for info on the internet except for a multitude of sell ads. One of the ads shows shows very good pictures of the Type 3 model, which has black journals, plunger type uncouplers on both trucks, and apparently the "sought after" version of this car. So I'm guessing my car is either type 1 or 2. My first question is how many types of the 2810 are there and what are the differences are so I know which type I have?
My second question is regarding the operation of the single electro-magnetic coupler on my car. Looking at the picture I will guess this is an electro-magnetic device rather than a solenoid. I don't know if the stem that is drawn to the magnet is properly oriented or bent/deformed. As is, this stem, when magnetized, would not have sufficient travel to open the coupler. I could possibly bend it so it would, but I'm not sure how it was originally designed as I can't find a picture anywhere. Also, there isn't a contact shoe for an uncoupling track, so I'm not sure if parts are missing from the truck. I'm guessing the coil would require positive and negative current for the electro-magnet, so I can't figure how it is activated.
Thanks...Rich
