Putting rollers on Lionel 221

Hi Don,

You're correct in referencing the 1656 switcher. The parts you need (2 each) are: 229M-7 collector bracket and 229M-8 collector roller. Available from most parts dealers, usually as a single unit (check the description). That assembly (bracket & roller) is the replacement for the 1661-33 pickup shoe. Easy fix, remove the shoes per the service manual and install the rollers.

Thanks Jerry, I'll pick some up.

     Very best, Don Johnson

I've always wanted to do this, 221 is one of my favorite early postwar locos, but can't run it on most of my layout. Thanks for bringing it up Don, let us know how it works out. And Jerry, sounds like good advise. 

Tim

I'm a hi-rail scale guy, but I love the 221 "Dreyfuss". A cool LCCA re-issue would get
on my short list.

Funny, though, when I do take a 221 off the shelf (I have a very small collection), it
runs just fine on my GG layout, switches and all - and the sliders seem to actually
clean the track a bit (logical, really) that the rollers have gummed up.

But, I don't run them often nor ask much of them, either, so what do I know? 
An ERR AC Commander would be an interesting installation in one of them.

Hi Tim, I don't acutally have the 221 yet. There was a nice one at the last train show. I've wanted one for years, but have avoided it due to the sliders.

   What I have now with sliders is a Lionel trolley & several Marx locos.

    D500 suggests on GG track the sliders tend to clean the track. I understand what he means. My main layout is SuperO with a copper center rail. Without cleaning the center rail 1st the locos simply try to move, spark & stall. No amount of coaxing will get them goint. But once the rail is cleaned (is simply rub rail with Scotchbrite pad & wipe with paper towel. Never use cleanning fluid) they work perfectly for hours. At the same time the sliding action leaves the rail clean looking just as D500 has noticed. Now on SuperO maybe 5 rounds with a roller loco & back to square one.

    I also use FasTrack at Christmas & when the grandkids visit. I find FasTrack rails get dirty quite quickly. But that's another subject.

    However with FasTrack sliders will still run if the rail is not too dirty. They will indeed self clean the the center rail once you make several loops. Usally though I Scotchbrite the track before running sliders so they run perfectly. If I then run roller locos the sliders will tend to baulk until cleaning again. However, you can make 50-100 laps with rollers before it's that dirty.

   I think the 221 has the same motor as the early 2026??? so the same situation would apply. I don't have one of those either. Again I've tended to avoid sliding shoes for nearly 20yrs. What got me back into the sliders was I got interesting in Marx which is all sliders. I've been working to convert some of my Marx to rollers, but its been much more work than expected. That is also another subject.

   At any rate, I'll keep you posted on what happens. If you do it 1st I'll keep my eyes open for your results. Thanks.

     Very best, Don Johnson