Upgrading the Valve Linkage on Lionel LTI T-1's and Mohawks

Mikado 4501OGR Forum Member

I've been a big fan of the big steam produced by Lionel Trains Inc. since I've been into Lionel in general. There's something very quality about these old engines that has held up well in the past 20 some years. Plus, they can be had for great bargains nowadays.

Though, one of the things that bugged me was the rather incomplete linkage assembly on the Reading and Chessie T-1's, and the L3A Mohawk. It's definitely bare bone looking compared to the complete look on the scale Hudson and the Mikados released during the same time.

I do know that some people have done this already, but I'm new to this and would like to know where to find the parts and how to properly install them. I'm still completing my collection of NYC steam, and the Mohawk would fit right in.

5/9/1712:01 PM

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D500OGR Forum Member

On my list, too. Also need the same upgrade on my Lionel 704 "ATSF Warhorse" (actually NYC) Hudson that I'm currently streamlining.

I often buy parts from the source - Lionel (see Replacement Parts on website). Much of the valve gear on various Lionel scale NYC Hudsons can do the job, most likely; especially the 700E-based units. "Drop-in"? Maybe not; adaptable? Probably.

Also - their L2a Mohawk may provide some usable parts. Different tooling, different but similar prototype, but, take a look.

5/9/172:34 PM

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Mikado 4501OGR Forum Member

When Lionel releases the parts for the new Legacy T-1's on their website, those rods could easily be used, I imagine.

5/9/173:28 PM

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NortonOGR Forum Member

I agree Lionel would be my first stop. Most of the valve gear is in stock. What you can't find at Lionel you can get from Precision Scale. Missing on a lot of models both Lionel and 3rd Rail is the linkage from the Power Reverse to the Baker valve gear. Precision Scale has those parts.

Pete

5/9/173:29 PM

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rex desiletsOGR Forum Member

A few years back a fellow named Wowak detailed a Lionel T-1. For valve gear he started with the gear from an MTH Big Boy, suitable modified. See his blog: https://brianwowak.wordpress.c...etailing-lionel-t-1/

5/9/174:42 PM

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C&O AllanOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I upgraded mine. I used parts from the Lionel Hudson and MTH Big Boy to get this as the result:

5/9/175:09 PM

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Hot WaterOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

C&O Allie posted:
I upgraded mine. I used parts from the Lionel Hudson and MTH Big Boy to get this as the result:

Except what is shown in your photo is NOT a prototypically correct New York Central running gear, nor valve gear.

5/9/175:12 PM

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C&O AllanOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hot Water posted:
C&O Allie posted:
I upgraded mine. I used parts from the Lionel Hudson and MTH Big Boy to get this as the result:
Except what is shown in your photo is NOT a prototypically correct New York Central running gear, nor valve gear.

Correct - this is the Chessie Steam Special T-1. I wouldn't do that to a Mohawk.

5/9/175:16 PM

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NortonOGR Forum Member

Here are Precision Scale Baker valve gear shown on the left side, the far side is stock 3rd Rail.

The main rod assembly above from a Lionel Vision Hudson. Main rod and eccentric were needed for this repair.

The long silver rod below is another Precision Scale part used for the power reverse. That and the valve gear above was plated tin using a Caswell Brush plater.

Pete

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5/9/175:31 PM

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Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Very interesting. I do remember reading the article on the 18009 NYC Mohawk that the valve gear was incorrect. Awesome work there, I know I wouldn't be able to do that without breaking something.

5/23/1710:13 AM

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