VL CC2S 0-8-8-0 Bell Cradle Replacement

If it's truly unavailable, have you considered trying to get one that is available and "building" one?  That may be your only avenue.

Precision Scale makes a bell with an offset bracket. Its part #4623.

Pete

I'm sure you both understand that I want to keep this engine all Lionel but I will definitely take a look at that Precision Scale part.

Any input on the correct way to go about replacing this piece? I'm guessing this is nothing like replacing the cradle on a 1225 Polar Express B Jr.

Thank you!

Is the cradle brass or plastic? Many are plastic and are a friction fit. The only way to keep it all Lionel is to find that part listed as NLA. Maybe some shop has one but I would bet not.

All of the Lionel cradles in stock are meant for the top of the boiler. Not sure how you could bend the base and not break it.

Pete

The cradle is metal.  Here's the whole assembly.  I bought this one some time back as one of my CC2's has a misshapen bell yoke and it's proving difficult to bend it straight to function properly.  These are very fragile and are the first thing to get whacked.  One day I'll put this one on.

Do you know if those two "arms" are bent around the inside of the shell to hold it in place or is this pressure fit?

Please say pressure fit.

Pressure fit.

Of course, that's wrong, the arms are bent to hold it in place, but since you wanted me to say that.

I'm not looking forward to taking the shell off but I guess I'll only need to do it if I manage to find a cradle. The Denver train show is coming up in a couple weeks, maybe I'll get lucky.

Thank you!