Havasu gal struggling with a Lionel 224 locomotive


L

lynndobb

New Member
I recently purchased what I believe is about a 1945 Lionel 244 locomotive with a 2224W tender along with some other cars. I’m very new to this game and am trying to set up something for my grandsons (6 in total, no girls) and I could really use some expert advice if anyone was willing to spare a few minutes! Thanks
 
lynndobb said:
I recently purchased what I believe is about a 1945 Lionel 244 locomotive with a 2224W tender along with some other cars. I’m very new to this game and am trying to set up something for my grandsons (6 in total, no girls) and I could really use some expert advice if anyone was willing to spare a few minutes! Thanks
Click to expand...
I am more than happy to help you, truly.

I am always glad to see people try to bring youth into our hobby. The world’s greatest hobby in my opinion!

What you have is a project for an experienced postwar (1945-1969) Lionel technician. You will be hard pressed to even find a place to have it serviced. Some say they can service it, but few truly know what they are doing and the few who can and will do not work cheap.

Unless you are extremely fortunate to live near a Lionel service center that can do the work you will also have to pay for shipping to and from. Your project could become awfully expensive.

Save yourself a lot of disappointed faces, personal aggravation, and money, buy a new Lionel LionChief train set, the youngsters might love it.

LionChief sets have modern technology, remote control, sounds, smoke and more. Many can even be controlled with a Bluetooth app on a phone or tablet. In addition, they came with a power supply and snap together track that can run on almost any surface, in minutes. Best of all they are reliable, and they cost about $450 or as little as about $200 or even less!

I have 2 grandsons, my trains hold their attention for about 10-30 minutes, but they do like using my phone to run the trains.

In just a few weeks/months there will be many deals available at prices far below list price. If you are interested, pay close attention to the prices at Amazon or even Walmart online and others.

Lionel Model Trains: Electric Train Sets

www.lionelstore.com www.lionelstore.com

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/trains/train-sets/#/filter:custom_scale:O/filter:brand:Lionel

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=lionel train sets&cat_id=4171&typeahead=lionel

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lionel+lionchief+train+set&crid=13FXUAEM7HR7A&sprefix=lionel+Lion,aps,342&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_11

O Gauge Electric Model Train Starter Sets

O Gauge Electric Model Train Starter Sets
www.trainworld.com

If you find a set you like, search the internet before buying. There are many vendors who carry Lionel LionChief sets. I only listed a few that are usually the most competitive.

A starter set is a good place to begin and you can expand it to be as big and complex as you like.

You could even get an AC transformer to run your Lionel 244 locomotive with a 2224W tender and other cars on your starter set.

If you are good with your hands your best bet is to service your postwar Lionel train yourself. This book is a good place to start, but it probably won't be all you will need.

https://www.amazon.com/Greenbergs-R...MPZW1RA73TW&psc=1&refRID=5DESW27DVMPZW1RA73TW

I am sorry I cannot be more optimistic about helping you with your project. The truth is I think Lionel postwar trains are a PITA. Modern innovations and technology have greatly improved the reliability and performance of Lionel trains. Not to mention all the new "bells and whistles".

You might encounter some rare problems right out of the box, but Lionel will stand behind your new train and take care of the problem, no cost to you. I can attest to that!

If I can be of further assistance I will be glad to help. If you like I can send you my email address, but I warn you I can get busy from time to time.

You can even call Lionel directly, I have them on my speed dial! 586-949-4100 They are always happy to help.

I wish you well!
 
Bruette said:
I am more than happy to help you, truly.

I am always glad to see people try to bring youth into our hobby. The world’s greatest hobby in my opinion!

What you have is a project for an experienced postwar (1945-1969) Lionel technician. You will be hard pressed to even find a place to have it serviced. Some say they can service it, but few truly know what they are doing and the few who can and will do not work cheap.

Unless you are extremely fortunate to live near a Lionel service center that can do the work you will also have to pay for shipping to and from. Your project could become awfully expensive.

Save yourself a lot of disappointed faces, personal aggravation, and money, buy a new Lionel LionChief train set, the youngsters might love it.

LionChief sets have modern technology, remote control, sounds, smoke and more. Many can even be controlled with a Bluetooth app on a phone or tablet. In addition, they came with a power supply and snap together track that can run on almost any surface, in minutes. Best of all they are reliable, and they cost about $450 or as little as about $200 or even less!

I have 2 grandsons, my trains hold their attention for about 10-30 minutes, but they do like using my phone to run the trains.

In just a few weeks/months there will be many deals available at prices far below list price. If you are interested, pay close attention to the prices at Amazon or even Walmart online and others.

Lionel Model Trains: Electric Train Sets

www.lionelstore.com www.lionelstore.com

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/trains/train-sets/#/filter:custom_scale:O/filter:brand:Lionel

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=lionel train sets&cat_id=4171&typeahead=lionel

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lionel+lionchief+train+set&crid=13FXUAEM7HR7A&sprefix=lionel+Lion,aps,342&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_11

O Gauge Electric Model Train Starter Sets

O Gauge Electric Model Train Starter Sets
www.trainworld.com

If you find a set you like, search the internet before buying. There are many vendors who carry Lionel LionChief sets. I only listed a few that are usually the most competitive.

A starter set is a good place to begin and you can expand it to be as big and complex as you like.

You could even get an AC transformer to run your Lionel 244 locomotive with a 2224W tender and other cars on your starter set.

If you are good with your hands your best bet is to service your postwar Lionel train yourself. This book is a good place to start, but it probably won't be all you will need.

https://www.amazon.com/Greenbergs-R...MPZW1RA73TW&psc=1&refRID=5DESW27DVMPZW1RA73TW

I am sorry I cannot be more optimistic about helping you with your project. The truth is I think Lionel postwar trains are a PITA. Modern innovations and technology have greatly improved the reliability and performance of Lionel trains. Not to mention all the new "bells and whistles".

You might encounter some rare problems right out of the box, but Lionel will stand behind your new train and take care of the problem, no cost to you. I can attest to that!

If I can be of further assistance I will be glad to help. If you like I can send you my email address, but I warn you I can get busy from time to time.

You can even call Lionel directly, I have them on my speed dial! 586-949-4100 They are always happy to help.

I wish you well!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for your reply and your kind words! I have gone ahead an ordered the book you recommended as I am pretty good about working on things. The trains are for my little men, but my passion is restoring antique slot machines.

Although, I am hoping to find the same passion in the antique trains as I do the pre-electronic slots.

thanks again,
Lynn
 
Considering your experience with antique slots I think you are about to embark on a journey you will enjoy. And as you know this journey will lead you on a sometimes-convoluted path.

Here is a resource you might find useful. Even if you do not join the club, they will try to help you. https://www.lionelcollectors.org/ask-our-experts/ They are a great group of very experienced and helpful people.

https://ctt.trains.com/ forum http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95.aspx The man who wrote the book I recommended, Roger Carp is an editor for Classic Toy Trains. My favorite magazine I might add.

https://ogaugerr.com/ OGR also has a forum with many postwar Lionel people, but some are not so… you will see. I don’t spend time on the OGR forum unless I need information. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/

One word of caution; Lionel postwar transformers usually do not have surge protection and as you probably already know old power supplies in general can be dangerous. Some refer to old Lionel transformers as “welders”.

The most modern power supplies can cause postwar locomotives to overheat. Your best bet is to refurbish a postwar power supply yourself or buy one refurbished by a reputable technician. If not look for a power supply from 1970-1996, a few from 1996-2000 will work well, but avoid power supplies after 2001. Some postwar locomotives work ok with modern AC power supplies, it’s a hit or miss shot in the dark.

Have fun on your journey and keep us posted.

If you really want your little men to find interest in trains, I highly recommend you get them a new set while you work on your project.

Here is a new one from Lionel https://www.lionelstore.com/Construction-Railroad-Value-Pack
1594820971763.png

Have fun! :)
 
Bruette said:
Considering your experience with antique slots I think you are about to embark on a journey you will enjoy. And as you know this journey will lead you on a sometimes-convoluted path.

Here is a resource you might find useful. Even if you do not join the club, they will try to help you. https://www.lionelcollectors.org/ask-our-experts/ They are a great group of very experienced and helpful people.

https://ctt.trains.com/ forum http://cs.trains.com/ctt/f/95.aspx The man who wrote the book I recommended, Roger Carp is an editor for Classic Toy Trains. My favorite magazine I might add.

https://ogaugerr.com/ OGR also has a forum with many postwar Lionel people, but some are not so… you will see. I don’t spend time on the OGR forum unless I need information. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/

One word of caution; Lionel postwar transformers usually do not have surge protection and as you probably already know old power supplies in general can be dangerous. Some refer to old Lionel transformers as “welders”.

The most modern power supplies can cause postwar locomotives to overheat. Your best bet is to refurbish a postwar power supply yourself or buy one refurbished by a reputable technician. If not look for a power supply from 1970-1996, a few from 1996-2000 will work well, but avoid power supplies after 2001. Some postwar locomotives work ok with modern AC power supplies, it’s a hit or miss shot in the dark.

Have fun on your journey and keep us posted.

If you really want your little men to find interest in trains, I highly recommend you get them a new set while you work on your project.

Here is a new one from Lionel https://www.lionelstore.com/Construction-Railroad-Value-Pack
View attachment 115233
Have fun! :)
Click to expand...
Thank you so much and I will keep you posted!
 
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