I was working on the layout checking track connections with a test light. I turned up the power to 18 volts. On the track was my 1994 Union Pacific 8119 Lionel engines. When I finished I forgot to shut off the power. I went back in two hours later and both engines had melted hoods from the lights. I am sick. I love those engines. Any chance Lionel may have shells? Anyone know of someone who may have something.
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There's a 8119 shell for sale on eBay right now, no picture but it may fit your needs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/xx-LTI...;hash=item2a312d5f74
-Dustin
I am truly sorry to hear this. I didn't see anything in Lionel's parts list for that number, but it can't hurt to email them and ask. Hopefully they or someone here will be able to help you with the shell. If not, maybe someone here will have a fix (maybe make the melted area out of brass? Just a thought)
Wow Vinny very sorry to hear this. Dustin found one shell I'm sure there's some other's around.
Alex
If you get the shells replaced,you may want to install LED lighting. LEDs produce little heat and consume less power. Here is how I do LED headlamps..
www.jcstudiosinc.com/BlogShowThread?id=619
Dale H
That's very unfortunate to have ruined the loco shells.
I often find myself double-checking whether I have turned off my train transformers. I've considered putting a timed cut-out on the layout power strip, or at least a more conspicuous "power on" indicator that can't be easily overlooked. Something I should actually do, instead of just thinking about it.
I see that Dale's LED circuit uses a CL2 chip for constant LED current from variable voltage, something else I should look into.
I will change out the bulbs like suggested. Thanks for the comments.
Lionel does have listed in stock replacement cabs for the 2023 Alco.
Just how bad are they...fixable?
I've seen those PA{?} bodies from time to time on the bay...just keep searching.
Try Contacting Olsens directly. (I believe the Ebay auction referenced above is theirs) I am fairly certain that they have multiple 8119 shells. I don't think they have any 8120 (dummy shells), but I certainly could be mistaken. From what I have seen, the 8120 shells are quite difficult to find. I wouldn't be too bothered by having both cabs with the same number. That's how postwar double A units came.
Upsetting Yes, but stay focused....on where the event could have led, no damage to the layout, the home or FAMILY!
Rick.
Hope you come up with the shells you need.
Vinny26, I did not see an e-mail for you. Please send me your contact information to my e-mail at ctucek1@earthlink.net, I may have a solution for you.
Charlie
As Chuck stated, Lionel does have the 2023 shells available, which would work, but they are $85 each.
Sidetrack Hobbies does have the 6-8119 AA engines listed for $180. I assume these are new-in-box.
Hopefully one of the guys can find some shells for you.
I have learned the best way to do this is to turn off hte power strip AND unplug from the wall. That you know one of the other was done!
Sounds like Charlie has come through for you. He is one of the best guys on the Forum, so I am not surprised that he is willing to help.
email sent to Charlie. Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. I'll let you know how I make out.
Good luck on obtaining replacement parts, I'm sure that someone will have them somewhere for you.
There is a web site "The Train Doctor". He has all kinds of Lionel parts. If you want me to let me know and I'll look up the web page for you.
He helped me find a front boiler plate for my Dad's old Hudson!!!
I have an update. First of all thanks for all the suggestions. Thanks to Charlie I was able to get the 8120 dummy unit and frizzbee turned me on to the 8119 on eBay. I got the new shells and decided I was not going to risk melting the shells again. My LHS helped me out in this regard. I removed the bulbs and replaced them with LEDs. These are constant lights so you can run slow and the lights are bright. All I had to do was connect one wire to ground and the other to constant power. I had to modify the lens to take the tiny led and I glued it in place with crazy glue. If I decide to sell them in the future all you have to do is replace the lens and put the bulb back in. Took me about 30 mins for both shells
Glad to hear this all worked out for you.
The timer cutoff mentioned earlier is a good idea. We had add one to our coffee maker at the club 
Nice to read a thread like this with a happy ending. Glad it worked out Vinny. Now your better than new.
I'd think that if you ever sell them, the LED's would be a positive addition, glad you were able to recover them. 
Just want to know if the LED's have the same threadining to make the change
Thanks!!!
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