New Restoration Projects

Nothing in the hopper for me

The only item I have might not even be considered a resto project.  It's a CSX AC6000 with PS2.  It hasn't been run for years and I saw evidence of moisture in the battery compartment.  I purchased it used and I plan on a complete rebuild with fresh battery, traction tires, smoke fluid wicking, etc.  It's been sitting here since August.  Now time to get to work.  

Out with the  Newer

And in with the old...

Finally buttoned up this on the weekend.  Not exactly sure what i want to tackle next.

Bruce

I don't have any pictures at the moment, but I have to do some Standard Gauge American Flyer that was donated to the Gadsden Pacific Toy Train Museum. We received a boxcab locomotive, a Bi-Polar style locomotive, and two sets of two passenger cars, all in red. One pair of cars is like new in the original boxes, which is very cool. We'll be putting those in a display case. The rest of the donation needs a little work. Both locomotives were partially restored by an amateur. They are all there and generally in sound condition except for a few small trim parts, but the wheels are out of gauge, the paint jobs are mediocre, and only one of them runs. The second set of cars needs the roofs repainted, there are some paint flaws on the bodies, and one of the woodgrain doors is a mess. Still, not bad for a donation of 80-year-old tinplate. I haven't gotten all the way into the job yet but I don't see anything I can't deal with. It's my first go at Flyer tinplate, but another museum member is familiar with it so I can get help if I need it. 

After that there are a couple of Z transformers that need to be opened up and probably rebuilt - at a minimum they will need new cords, which requires total disassembly of the transformer to get at the connection point.

I got a 259E for Christmas that needs work.  Will post some pictures soon.  Needs a good cleaning, trying to decide if I want to paint it or just clean and polish it up good.  Motor runs great but needs brushes.  Someday I want to try a repaint.  It is sitting apart on my workbench now.  Still need to de grease and clean the motor.  

Beautiful work, Bruce.

As for myself, I'm making a smaller version of the Great Northern Empire Builder using a pair of what I believe are repro AA shells; PW twin-motor chassis, etc.;  and six newer smooth-sided LIONEL 15" passenger cars.  The AA shells are stripped, as are 4 of the six passenger cars--two require additional work.  I plan to start work on the AA shells by removing the molded number boards to be replaced by P&D Hobby brass prototype number boards, open up the portholes to accept scale lenses, and add brass winterization hatches.  Plenty left to do as this is just getting started.

Thanks for the compliment, PTC

Carl,

  It wasn't so much a restoration as a makeover.   I just can't get excited over the Amtrak garb compared to the classic green or tuscan.

Your idea got me thinking.  I should cobble together 2 GG1's and make a 4 motored Frankenstein.

Bruce

Looks great

I just this morning finished up this Lionel 1684.  It has a transplanted shell, thanks to member Steamer.  Headlight, whistle, bell and handrails from the old one were all attached to the new shell.  The pilot had to be JB Welded due to shipping damage. The original shell had zinc pest, to the extent that the pilot had been replaced, the cab floor had been reglued (sans the drawbar pin), and cracks were visible on the sides.  It's available now to anyone who wants to practice weathering. 

Just finished this one a few weeks ago. A Marx Commodore Vanderbilt frankensteined together from parts, including a smoker!

very nice

Love it

Bruce, thanks for the "before" picture.  I'm not a GG-I guy, but there's no denying the beauty of a green, gold striper.  You executed it beautifully.

As for the Frankenstein version, go for it!  And post pictures.