I need someone to repair a 1663 prewar switcher. It has been on my display shelf for about 40 years. It was working when I put it there. I put it on a track today and the headlight lit, but it wouldn't move. No sound at all. I don't want to take it apart. I would be afraid I would not get it back together.
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It's probably just dried grease or a broken wire. But look it over closely for disintegration of the zinc wheels and chassis, aka Zinc Pest. Once things start swelling and crumbling, there's no fixing it.
If you don't care about keeping it original, you could upgrade it with a 4-wheel motor chassis from a postwar 1656, which are pretty common. This will give you improved performance. My $.02.
If you're in the NW Arkansas area, I can take a look at it. Otherwise, I can recommend Hennings Trains:
http://henningstrains.com/index.html
Mitch
Do the wheels turn by hand. If so I agree it prob is a bad wire or something simple. If you.re in New York City I could take a look.
Eddie,
You can contact Joe Mania at JLMTrains.com. He does prewar and postwar repairs and produces tinplate parts.
I think Henning’s is not accepting repairs right now as they were inundated with work. You can always bring it to York as Henning’s and Joe Mania both have booths at York in the Orange hall.
Yes, the wheels turn freely. I think it is a lose wire. TED, I will take it to York and see Joe Mania. Do you know where his table is in the Orange hall? JIM, I was in NY city at the Lotte NY Palace hotel on 50th st. between Madison & Park. last week. Too bad I didn't know then.
The fact that the headlight is on but there is "no sound at all" makes me wonder whether the E-unit is getting power. I don't recall whether the 1663 E-unit receives power via a wire and banana plug, or via a small lever that can be moved to an on-or-off position, but either should be easy to check.
Eddie,
Joe’s booth is in the back end of the hall across the aisle near Trainz.com booth area. He has a large banner JLM Trains. When you see Joe, mention my name. We do the local shows together.
Hopefully I will see you at York in a member hall. I am like you, I do the Orange hall last. I’m not interested in new trains any longer.
Have a safe trip to York, Ted
Eddie, Ted has given you sound advice about JLM. I had seen you mentioned you are in Blue Hall at York. I am in Blue Hall as well, E-30. Maybe we can connect on Thursday morning and say hello!!
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