Postwar Lionel Repair Series “Updated 3/28/25”

I’ve had this lone 204P for almost a couple decades sitting around. Came across this beautiful matched 204 AA Set from the massive collection late last summer. Decided to lash them up together, creating this stunning Dual Engine Powered 204 AAA Set.
… Whatcha think?

Another fun rebuild/ restoration the past couple months. Prewar Lionel’s Z 250 Watt Transformer. My postwar Z had some crumbling bakelite on the lower base, causing trouble w/ the #1 throttle. So I stripped this other Prewar Z down & rebuilt it w/ a new cord. It’s since been installed where the other lived on my 6’ long Control Panel, & is working like a champ for some of the accessories on the layout.

And now we’re back to a fully documented breakdown & rebuild.
I have no words to share w/ y'all about this clip, so I’ll let the video speak for itself.
Would love to hear what Y’all think…

For folks interested in such & looking for info on this site of said topic, I will include the title to the clip in hopes it’s helpful to whomever:
Complete Breakdown & Rebuild of Postwar Lionel’s 2169WS Freight Set: Featuring the 773 & 2426W

And here’s the latest that’s just days old.
Hope Y’all enjoy these recently posted rebuilds of FRV… Thanks for looking!

If you’re interested in more, please check out my fb page or ig. Cheers Y’all! 🍻

The Latest Rebuild from The Service Yard of FRV…

A project I’ve waited years to finally get to.
Breaking down & rebuilding these Postwar Lionel 2500 Silver Series Passenger Cars was very rewarding!

Hope Y’all enjoy the view!

Thanks Eli, that was helpful.

Howdy Train Folk!
Many folks over the years are always asking what this funky white stuff is & how to go about cleaning it off.
If you’ve asked this question before yourself, & or have already gone about the process of removing it- you’d know that the answer to the preferred method of removal is to use a Heat Gun/ Hair Dryer. Using that particular method can be quite tricky, as well as create problems that you didn’t have before.
I get asked how I go about it all the time, which my reply is always “I plan on creating a post specifically to share just what I do”. Well Folks, Today is THE Day…

Just after these pics were taken I created a short five minute clip of my process of the “Mold Release” Removal. It’s viewable on my channel & in the following post. I hope it’s of help to those that might be in need.

From Eli here at FRV…
Happy Railroading, Y’all!!!

Here’s the short five minute clip of the simple & easy “Mold Release” Removal Technique.
And just to add: YES, it IS safe for the lettering & pin stripes (if done properly & quickly).

Y’all have a great Sunday!

Thanks!  How does the lettering hold up to this method?

I watched your video.... Great job and thank you for posting this!!!!!

These repair tips are super helpful! thank you!!

What a great series.

Thanks,

John

@jjm : The lettering came out perfect. The key is to be quick & soft when using this particular method. There was absolutely zero damage done to any aspect of the shell.

Howdy Train Folk!

While in between work & daily life, I’ve been rebuilding this Postwar Lionel 182 Magnetic Crane. Since I’ve been working on it here n’ there when I’m able, I have not taken the liberty to create an actual video of its entire process. And for that, I do hereby apologize to Y’all!
The following are somewhat detailed pics of stripping it completely down. I added new wires throughout (except the controller just yet), & have since cleaned n’ detailed each n’ every part. In the continuing posts, I’ll share the few clips I did happen to take, as well as a “How To” repair of the broken screw/ bolt posts on the interior of the cab.
If’n anyone has any questions whatsoever (on this or any post/ topic of mine), I’d be more than happy to be of help to those in need.

As always, Thanks for looking… Hope Y’all have a Great Weekend!

First things First: a simple Motor Test prior to disassembly.

After rewiring & rebuilding the Coil Pack, here’s a simple test to make sure it’s all in working order prior to full reassembly.

The following pics are my take on a simple n’ easy “How To” repair of the broken screw/ bolt posts on the interior of this 182 Crane Cab. I used small coffee straws/ stir sticks as the forms for the repair “mold”. Afterwards took small cut round toothpicks to use as filler for the screw/ bolt holes (which are smaller in diameter than the bolts themselves). I used vaseline to coat the toothpicks, which keeps the epoxy from adhering to during the pour/ cure. One thing not shown is the placing of blue painters tape to secure the straw sections. Just prior to its drying/ curing, I removed the toothpicks & straws. After it sits a day, each hole will be ready to be tapped out & rethreaded to create these three whole new screw/ bolt post. They came out perfectly… & since these aren’t even seen, I feel no need to paint them.

Happy Railroading Everybody!!

Testing the Controller to this here Postwar Lionel 182 Magnetic Crane w/ its existing wires it came with to the all five new ones coming from the upper end. The voltage is set @ 13.34V. Everything seems as it should. Now to install new wires from the controller on the control panel to its place on the layout… What a Fun Toy!

If you’ve never soldered & or shied away from it thinking it might be outta your wheelhouse, then this clip may be helpful to You.
Shown here is the simple removal of old wiring (on a 182 Magnetic Crane Controller), in preparation for it’s new wires to be attached.
If you’re into servicing your own trains up to a certain point, yet send them out for such repairs, please know that it is a simple & easy task to perform. One which will bring you much gratification upon project completion. And definitely a simple n’ easy enough task to do Yourself, as opposed to sending it off to a “so called” professional!

At the end is a Timelapse of the rest of the contacts.
For those that may find this helpful, I will indeed share a brief clip of the other half of the process (soldering the new wires to each contact).

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

I’ve had this lone 204P for almost a couple decades sitting around. Came across this beautiful matched 204 AA Set from the massive collection late last summer. Decided to lash them up together, creating this stunning Dual Engine Powered 204 AAA Set.
… Whatcha think?

@Flint Rock Valley: You are quite the Lionel Postwar repair expert and you do fine work. It’s too bad you don’t have an FB unit to go with these, rather than three FAs. An ABA set would look terrific, even though the Santa Fe never operated ALCO Fs, only Ps. But, they still look good. 👍

Follow Up ~ to Potential Soldering Tips for those it may be of help to...
In the previous clip I’ve shared the removal of old wires to Lionel’s 182 Magnetic Crane Controller. Today, we’re sharing the process of soldering the new wire loom to each contact of said controller.
As stated before, don’t let something such as the simple task of soldering discourage you from making/ performing repairs on your own trains/ accessories. Being able to do things like this yourself will not only help save you $, but also can be very rewarding knowing that you don’t have to rely upon a “so called” professional to do it for you.

Happy Railroading, Y’all!

For those that don’t Subscribe to the Tube: Here’s the latest rebuild from The Service Yard of Flint Rock Valley. Hope Y’all enjoy!

Happy Railroading, Everybody!

Enjoyable and informative, thanks