Under The Hood: Lionel 460 Flamingo Plucker! :)

M. Mitchell MarmelOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Well, no, it's a truck loader/unloader. Blame @Apples55 for the idea, as he's the one who sent me the distressed #460...

Externally, in good nick.

Internally, not so much.

First order of business: The lifter bar. Wirebrushed the worst of the rust off, then used a 2-56 screw and nut to refasten it to the base.

Next up, the old tire which grabs into the teeth and turns the forklift in a circle. This has hardened to roughly the same hardness as the steel rod to which it's attached. Repro replacements are available...

...but for now, a couple layers of shrink tubing will do the job!

Assembled and working fine!

Operation is as follows:

Using the crank handle...

Rotate the forklift under a trailer and use the lever to lift the trailer off the flatcar.

Rotate the forklift and lower the trailer onto the base.

Lather, rinse and repeat for the other trailer.

Freddy Flamingo was informed that this was a "Flamingo Plucker"...

...and decided that discretion was the better part of valor.

Can't imagine WHO would spread a rumor like that!

Here's a view of the holes under the trailer, which fit the nubs on the forklift.

All and all, a fun little accessory! Thanks again to @Apples55 for the lovely gift (and a couple of nice Lionel gondolas, used as packing material!)

Mitch

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2/9/193:26 PM

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RSJB18OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Great work Mitch. At least it's wasn't a whisker plucker- Norma wouldn't care for that at all. Wonder what we're all gonna do when Paul finishes cleaning out his basement. laugh

Bob

2/9/194:57 PM

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M. Mitchell MarmelOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

RSJB18 posted:
Great work Mitch. At least it's wasn't a whisker plucker- Norma wouldn't care for that at all. Wonder what we're all gonna do when Paul finishes cleaning out his basement.

I keep expecting a semi loaded to the gills to show up at my front door one of these days...

Mitch

2/9/195:39 PM

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FirewoodOGR Forum Member

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:
Freddy Flamingo was informed that this was a "Flamingo Plucker"...
You should see the pheasant plucker - just don't say it too fast......

2/9/196:22 PM

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M. Mitchell MarmelOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Firewood posted:
You should see the pheasant plucker - just don't say it too fast......

devil

Mitch

2/9/197:04 PM

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coach joeOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

thumb

2/9/198:45 PM

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Apples55OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

M. Mitchell Marmel posted:
RSJB18 posted:
Great work Mitch. At least it's wasn't a whisker plucker- Norma wouldn't care for that at all. Wonder what we're all gonna do when Paul finishes cleaning out his basement.
I keep expecting a semi loaded to the gills to show up at my front door one of these days...
Mitch

Gentlemen;

As I have said before, I am just trying to help some fellow travelers on the slippery slope... I figure if I aid enough of you, you’ll all make a nice cushion when I hit bottom (assuming there is a bottom).

But seriously, I’m glad to help. There were two fairly long threads recently regarding what will happen to your trains when you’re gone. I must admit, I’ve been giving that issue some thought for quite a while. Being happily divorced with no kids (I did give my 3 nephews trains when they were young, but it didn’t seem to take - I do hold out some hope for their father), I would hate to see the trains end up in a dumpster, so I’ve decided to thin the herd of as much of my collection as I don’t use. I actually plan on selling a few items in the near future, but as for most items, I have found some some people/groups here on the forum, some of whom do some great outreach for the hobby (and in Mitch’s case, afford some great amusement along the way as well) who I hope will be able to use some of the pieces.

2/9/199:49 PM