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History
The 617 A.T. & S.F. NW2 diesel switcher was produced for only a single year; 1963. Quite surprisingly, Lionel actually added external detail to this switcher, something that was rarely done during the 1960's. For the 617, Lionel added a radio antenna on top of the diesel cab, a piece of trim last used in 1955.

1963 also marked the year Lionel began transitioning their switchers to a less-costly, sheet-metal frame which did not include side skirts. As a result, the 617 can be found with either the early frame containing side skirts or the later version without the additional side detail.

Although NW2 switchers produced in the 1960s are generally a step down in quality to those produced in the 1950s, the 617 does contain several of the more desirable features such as two-axle magnetraction, functional horn and much more.

The 617 is a fairly rare diesel. It was only produced for a single year and those in collectable condition will command a premium in price.

Features
Standard features of the 617 include: black painted body with white lettering and strips, two axle Magnetraction, three-position E-unit (with the lever accessible from underneath the frame), functional horn, single illuminated headlight and non-operating couplers on the front and rears. Additionally, the 627 is the only NW-2 switcher produced in the 1960's with a simulated radio antenna on the front of the diesel.

As mentioned above, 1963 was the year Lionel transitioned their switchers to a less-costly sheet-metal frame. The change eliminated the simulated side skirts on the diesel. Locating any 617 is rare, either with or without the side skirts.

And here is one in the wild, suffering from dry bearings and a bad horn:

 

GEDC1961

The chassis is notable for the C-cell powered horn and the more economical (and fragile) L-19 light bulb.

 

GEDC1962

The commutator and bearings were in perfect nick, and just needed a light cleaning and oiling, with a bit of grease on the worm gear:

 

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The horn, alas, was a different story:

 

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While everything is clean and shiny, the coil has given up the ghost, so another horn will have to be installed in future. 

 

The front coupler had a cracked centering pin:

 

GEDC1969

So, I swapped couplers with a 627 center cab on the dead track, upgrading to working couplers at the same time:

 

GEDC1970

Note the black rubber hairband on the coupler.  This increases tension on the pin, allowing for remote operation while lessening the likelihood of it opening at an unwanted time.   Also note the temporary grain of wheat bulb, until I can order some L-19s from Train Tender. 

 

Here's the 617 back in action, pulling the future Crimson Comet consist with nary a bobble! 

 

GEDC1971

GEDC1972

Mitch

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Images (12)
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Last edited by M. Mitchell Marmel
Original Post

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Originally Posted by Virginian65:

Hot **** great job, Mitch. Love to see someone who appreciates classic trains fun and functionality who is also not afraid to take 'em apart and give 'em a little love...

(nodnods)  Thankee!  The owner of the 617 plans to use it in work train service, which is why I upgraded the couplers for him. 

 

Mitch

Originally Posted by prrhorseshoecurve:
Man that exposed pilotless frame is fugly. Reminds me of the MPC switcher days. Wished Lionel stuck with the earlier frame with the metal pilot fronts.

Yeah, that and the flimsy bulb and socket truly show the start of their economizing.  Quite a contrast from only a decade earlier. 

 

Mitch

The switchers with die cast frames were only made between 1949 and 1955.

The sheet metal switchers started being produced in 1955.

 

I agree that the switchers with die cast frames are far superior engines, but the sheet metal framed ones were made for a much longer period.

 

That 617 switcher certainly is a tough piece to find. It looks to be in nice shape. Lucky guy.

When last we left Our Hero, the 617 had a healthy motor but a deceased horn coil.  After consulting with the owner, I decided to upgrade to the classic 8152-50 electronic horn:

 

GEDC1975

The original horn was gently removed by undoing the tabs holding it down and retained in case the owner wishes to return the 617 to factory stock condition in the future.

 

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The horn board with double-stick tape attached.

 

 

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And installed. 

 

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As it turns out, I made a fatal error at this point, but more on that anon.

 

One of my favorite tricks with electronic horns is rolling my own resonators using a plastic disposable cup:

 

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Now!  Recall I mentioned a fatal error?  I mistakenly thought a single strip of mounting tape would keep the digital horn board from shorting out on the stamped-steel chassis.  More fool, I!  When I put the 617 down on the track, well, let's just say the magic smoke was released and draw a curtain over the entire shameful scene...

 

Jeff Kane and the Train Tender to the rescue!  Within a couple days of my order, I had a brand spanking new board (and replacement light bulb) installed...and this time, I used PLENTY of mounting tape! 

 

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And the Little Switcher That Could honked along happily ever after!

 

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The End. 

 

Mitch

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Images (16)
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GEDC1998

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