Repro frame for Lionel GP-7

These have never been "repro-ed" in the normal sense of the word.  Madison

did have a few frames of this type back in the early '70s, but they were either

black paint or primer gray, IIRC.  The traditional way to get this type of fix

was to buy a scratched up MILW or CB&Q and repaint or refinish the frame and

sell the rest of the chooch off, to recover your $$.  The frames Lionel makes

today in China look the same on the outside, but are radically different inside.

Good hunting...because getting an original frame off a 2347 in good shape has

got to be the challenge of a lifetime!!!!

Mike,

Let me check the 'junk' box when I get back to the shop Tuesday. I had a couple of Geep frames I picked up in a 'grab bag' box at a show a while ago. If I've still got them I'll let you know.

'64 was the one year a C&O was not offered.

The 2347(1965) will require a frame with the horn battery cutout:

the 2365(1962-1963, more common) will require a frame without the horn cutout:

eBay is a great source for these parts.  You will probably not find an original yellow frame in serviceable condition, any frame yellow or not will need to be restored/redone in the correct yellow.

Thanks all. It's a 2365. I assume sandblasting and then a repaint? Mine's REAL rusty.... Len-keeping my fingers crossed.

Mike S

I'm not sure what Lionel did to these, but the yellow frames were very prone to rusting.

Bead blasting / media blasting would be good, with no battery damage you may just want to tumble it so you won't need to do any filling.  Check with Charles Wood to see if he has a matching paint.

IMHO, the 2365 (no battery) frames also seem to be prone to the paint chipping rather badly.

I sandblasted an filled many nasty frames in the past.

So, barring a complete step-by-step guide, I guess sand/bead/etc blasting, Fill with epoxy or superglue, level the surface, primer and paint? My only concern with a rusty frame (like mine) are the spaces between the side handrails and the frame. They look like they were tacked at both ends and the middle; the portions that were not tacked show a space between the frame side and the handrail, which I'm quite sure is filled with rust. Taking suggestions about what to do to clean that bit up, if I decide to work on my original frame rather than replace.

Thanks-

Mike

There are a fair number of 2028 frames being offered on Ebay. I suppose one of those could be repainted in yellow.

The 2028 had several variations on how the handrails were attached. I am not certain whether any match the C&O.

I'd guess that the welded handrails with no rivet holes variation should match.

Mike,

No joy. The Geep frames I have are for the modern era units, e.g., 8030, etc., with the large motor cut out.

And the turned-down edges.

Mike, this guy most probably has what you need.  I hesitate to post his phone number here.  Shoot me an email.

<<No website and no email but one "heckuva" source for screws (and F3 and GP frames). He sets up at York and can be reached at: Ted Nyerges (CONTACT: )>>