Original Red Comet in Poor Shape

There is one advanage if you are doing it yourself, if you don't like how it is going you can always start over.  If you haven't done this before buy a couple of tinplate junkers, maybe a Lionel 812 or 817 and practice with them before you start on your Red Comet.  Otherwise unless you really like to do restorations hire somebody

Tom

It is a lot of work and as tcox said it would be best to practice on a junker before trying an important piece.

If you decide to have it done professionally i would be happy to suggest Joe Mania or Gary Schein. Both do excellent work.

Parts are easy. Jeff Kane at ttender.com.

if cost is an issue, that's a set that's easy to restore yourself. Lot's of off the shelf spray paints match the lionel prewar red. I'd say if it's mechanically sound you could consider it. Like other's say, practice on a junker, let me know if you want some of my reference for paint removal, and refinishing.

Tim

Tim & Nighthawk,

Thanks for the info!

I got the parts list off of the Lionel Site, it is a 264E Red Comet. I am in contact with Jeff to see what he has and what I need to determine how far I progress. If some of the parts are not available, I will still look into restoring it but not for operation. But... it would be great to be able to have it run around the track also.

One of the middle rail collectors or pickup is completely missing from the engine, so not sure if I am in trouble there and need the entire motor assy. I have attached the parts list from the Lionel site for reference and if anyone has any other location ideas for parts if Jeff can't get all of them I need.

Tim, yes I would like references for the paint removal and refinishing.

Jeff has suggested the use of his 252-PR Paint in half pint cans. I do not currently have an air brush but looks like it may also be a needed investment and would like suggestions on reasonable models if anyone could provide that.

Hi Dennis,

Sent you an email with some restoration info. Olsen's Toy Train parts has PDF files from Lionel service manuals, here's the 264e

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=784

As far as replacing the pick up on the engine, that needs to be riveted in place, so you'll need to enlist the help of someone witht he proper tools. Buyt if it's just for show, no need to do it.

Good luck, keep up updated.

Tim

Thanks again everyone for your assistance. Jeff has been fantastic and some initial parts are on the way. I found out that some of the parts I wanted to replace, like installing all new trucks was not a reality due to the lack of availability and no re-manufactured parts.

I will post some of the before and after pictures here as the restoration takes place.

BTW Jeff after looking at the pictures said unless this is being dome for sentimental reasons, it is bad enough to look at finding another set in better condition. He has gone way out of his way to assist and we have spent a good deal of time on the phone, he is great and I cannot stop touting his extra efforts to assist me.

Just getting finally to start the repairs of the engine, while getting ready to paint the engine.

Rustoleum Sunrise Red in spray cans is a nice red that is real close to original.   It's what is on my 264.   I am going to do a set of trashed tin passenger cars with the same color.   First I beadblast the tin in a cabinet I have, then use rustoleum gray auto primer, than the red.