postwar 246

I would take a look at the service documents here:

http://olsenstoy.com/233.htm

I would start be removing the drum housing cover fro the motor and inspect and clean the drums and such.

If you're determined to keep it original, you have a tricky job on your hands.  If not, I would bolt a 2034-100 motor/chassis (or the equivalent 250-100) under that shell and be done with it.

Most important question, what transformer?

Chuck Sartor posted:

Most important question, what transformer?

a postwar one. trainmaster multi control 110 rw watt

BENNETT V:

      My first Lionel loco was 6110 that was very similar to yours, had the "all-in-one" motor like yours and, eventually years later, had the same problems as yours, especially "sorta goes into neutral." I bought a replacement motor, as TED S suggests, but I bought another "all-in-one" motor at, of all places, Madison Hardware! That got my original Lionel loco working again.

      Instead of that, I would do what TED S recommends and buy a 2034-100 or similar regular AC motor and install into your 234 shell.

      John

A postwar transformer is good. Those 'Scout' type loco motors don't do well with like CW transformers. One trick is give the engine a quick shot of power at start-up and then throttle down. This will give the revolving drum pawl a good shot to cycle the drums. It the mechanism is gunky with old grease this will impede the finicky mechanism. With a good servicing, they can be made to run fairly ( within reason) well.