Postwar #3619 Helicopter launching box car

Here's the parts list:  http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/ho/d3619.pdf

 

 

Sorry, Al, I haven't seen a exploded parts diagram for the 3619.  I have one and can send you pics, if that helps.

Thanks John. I have this list but need more information.


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Here's the parts list:  http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/cd/ho/d3619.pdf     View This Reply
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What is it not doing?

Hi Dan, thanks for reply and offer. Since you have this car I'll ask your help. Was there a device/part/tool that came with the car that would allow one to "wind up" the mechanism when the launcher is in the down and locked position: Its almost impossible to wind it up through open roof panels. The parts list shows 0319-41 "crank" but I found that number molded on the plastic "wind-up" knob.

The other problem is when everything is in position and the launcher is released, the helicopter falls off and the 0319-41 "crank" un-winds as the helicopter lays off to the side.

 

Do you have any suggestions? (besides keeping it as a display item only or putting it in the trash?)

Hi Chuck, see my questions to Dan----

 

Hi Dan, thanks for reply and offer. Since you have this car I'll ask your help. Was there a device/part/tool that came with the car that would allow one to "wind up" the mechanism when the launcher is in the down and locked position: Its almost impossible to wind it up through open roof panels. The parts list shows 0319-41 "crank" but I found that number molded on the plastic "wind-up" knob.

The other problem is when everything is in position and the launcher is released, the helicopter falls off and the 0319-41 "crank" un-winds as the helicopter lays off to the side.

 

Do you have any suggestions? (besides keeping it as a display item only or putting it in the trash?)

Hi Chuck, thanks for reply. See my questions sent to Dan – below.

Hi Dan, thanks for reply and offer. Since you have this car I'll ask your help. Was there a device/part/tool that came with the car that would allow one to "wind up" the mechanism when the launcher is in the down and locked position: Its almost impossible to wind it up through open roof panels. The parts list shows 0319-41 "crank" but I found that number molded on the plastic "wind-up" knob.

The other problem is when everything is in position and the launcher is released, the helicopter falls off and the 0319-41 "crank" un-winds as the helicopter lays off to the side.

Do you have any suggestions? (besides keeping it as a display item only or putting it in the trash?)

Well first, Lionel only had a parts list for the car. they never had a diagram for this car.

(same could be said about the 415 fueling station)

 You move the trip lever on the side of the launcher back to lock position and wind the spool before pushing the launch arm down to lock. You should get about 10-12 clicks from the winder, if not the mainspring in the launcher is broken. (a common problem.)

 Just a very small amount of WD40 in the spring assembly will lube the spring and cause it to unwind faster if that is the cause why the helicopter is just flopping on it's side instead of taking off.

Al,

 

  I also have a 3619 and will look it over, also see whether, and what, I can find in my Greensburg repair manuals.  I will scan what I can and try sending to you.  BTW, are you the same Al I knew back in 2001 when running trains at the Mundelein library with John Flinn and other members of the North Central RR Club?

 

Jesse

beattyjesse@yahoo.com

Hi Al.

There is no tool that I know of for this car.

Move the latch to the left and wind it up.  Mount the helicopter.  Assuming that you are looking at the side of the car with the latch (launching gears to the left), push the assembly down and away from you (so it doesn't hang up on the release) holding the helicopter until it locks.  Now it is ready.

The helicopter lying on it's side it likely caused by not getting the square shaft in the launcher.  It is near impossible to get it right if the launcher is already down inside the car.

Good luck.

OK, need to revise the winding clicks. A fully wound launcher is 25-27 clicks, not 12 as I posted earlier. These cars are extremely complex because of all the mechanical moving parts.

Another thing to check is the helicopter. ( are you using the original one or a repo?)

Check to see if the blade spins freely. If not check the clutch on the bottom of the propellor shaft to see that it is not pressed up against the helicopter body creating friction so the blade gets up to full speed. 

Be sure the blade is parallel with the body when loading in the car so the blade doesn't strike the roof when launching.   

Thanks again.

I’m working on this today. The car’s owner is a nice friend, I really hope I can get it working for him.

One box car side and one roof panel seem slightly warped. If I can get them straight and true maybe that will help.



Al Laseke

Rockford, IL

Thanks again.

I’m working on this today. The car’s owner is a nice friend, I really hope I can get it working for him.

One box car side and one roof panel seem slightly warped. If I can get them straight and true maybe that will help.



Al Laseke

Rockford, IL

IMHO, none of the Lionel helicopter cars, including the 3619, work particularly well. Still, it would be nice for your friend to have his working correctly.
The satellites fly much better.

Thanks CW—I agree about helicopter problems. But for this friend I hope I can get it working—at least a little bit.

Al Laseke

Al, it is important that the roof panels work smoothly. Just make sure that any warp does not interfere with function.

As CW points out, don't expect a spectacular flight.  As soon as the helicopter leaves the launcher, the body will spin as fast as the rotor and ignominiously crash to earth - there will be no survivors .

Are using a new repo helicopter?

This is a December 1959 Life magazine photo showing 200 Lionel postwar flatcars launching simultaneously.

I think this is a repro helicopter, how can I tell? It is red body (HO size) no markings nor heat stampings.

Yep—still working on that.

Regarding helicopter crashing after launch; I had 24 yrs. in USMC Aviation—all with “fixed wing” squadrons. We had a saying: “Never fly in anything where the wings are moving faster than the fuselage.”

If the repo copter was purchased recently, it has problems. Older repo's are OK. you will need to ask the person you are repairing this for.

Al,

 

  I am looking at my 3619, with original helicopter.  The "gusset" brace on the tail, just aft of the horizontal stabilizers, is heat stamped "LIONEL" on the left side when looking at the helo face-on.

 

Jesse

I'd like to add on a question to this. I am also working on a 3619. Inside the car is a black wire that looks to me like it should release the spin mechanism. I am not sure it is correctly shaped, but I have never seen one to compare it to.  Does anyone have a picture of the release they could post. Views from above and the side would be great.

Thanks.

Wow! Lots of great information here......thanks to all.

Peter

Is one helicopter better at flight than the others in general?

 

I had one four blade and regular copters in red, yellow, and grey as a boy.

 I couldn't wind the 3619 easily, and traded Gramps for a flatcar launcher.

IMO the colored helis broke easier. The grey ones both seemed of better quality overall too.

 

 One definitely flew much better, but I cant remember for which for sure.

I think it was the four blade?? (grey)

Ross,  find attached a photo of the trip wire and release lever for the 3619 helicopter launch mechanism.  Hope this is helpful for you, sir.

Jesse,
Thanks for the picture. That is differently shaped than mine. I will adjust mine tomorrow. This should help!

Ross,  The top "hard bend" in the wire trips the launch lever as it rises to the top of the boxcar.  This prevents the launch from occurring too low within the boxcar confines.  The wire needs to be free swinging within it's mounting on the boxcar side to prevent interfering with the launch apparatus.

Al, how did your repair go?

Jesse,

Thanks a lot for the picture, very helpful. Revised the bend of my wire as shown in your picture. Tested last night and it flew great!

Ross