Lionel 263 E Help Please!

[Granpa]

Hi! I'm new here, and just getting back into model railroading. I ended up with two large boxes of old trains that had set out in a racoon infested shed for years. I'm trying to get something running for Christmas-no matter how it looks for now-BUT... One of the Loco's is a 263 E (gun metal grey from 1938, I think)- and I have some issues... I'm not familiar with the engine-it has a switch on the top-why?(forward/reverse?). I'm only able to get it to go backwards. I've removed it from the shell, and just have the engine itself running (backwards) on the track (three track). The former owners must have played with the wires at one time- and they seem very fragile- assuming a broken wire? I did have it going forward for a few minutes, but now- just like me- only backwards...
As well, after this intial push I intend to restore these and will need some parts- paint, etc. Ideas?
As well, there is an American Flyer engine (frozen) without any ID or numbers- how to identify?
Thanks for any help.
Granpa

 

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard and welcome back to the hobby. You've sure picked a tough way to get back in. The lever on top of the locomotive is for forward and reverse. You have to have the locomotive at a complete stop before pushing the lever over for the reverse/forward switch to work correctly.

If you mean the motor in the engine looks like it's installed backwards, that's normal in Lionel steam engines for that era. The motor was installed that way so it wouldn't project back into the cab.

If the wires are still those black cotton covered varieties, they are probably bad and need to be replaced. Go to Radio Shack and buy a pack of insulated head alligator clip jumpers, the ones with the alligator head on both ends. You can use these to go from one solder terminal to the other, bypassing the existing wire, to test if the old wire is bad. Good idea to get a digital ohmmeter if you don't have one since you'll need it to find trouble spots. It sounds like the 263 will run correctly once you track down the wire problem in the reverse switch. The engine probably has no lubrication left. If you don't have any hobby oil or grease on hand, Dextron III automatic transmission fluid make a good substitute. Just a drop in the gearbox and maybe the connecting rods if they are tight. Clean the wheels well too since they'll spark like crazy if they are dirty.

For your other old equipment, post some pictures here from all angles, including underneath. There's usually someone who will recognize it and put you on the right track.

 

[hamltnblue]

Sometimes old switches have to be worked some. Move the switch back and forth a couple of dozen times to clean the contacts some, and then try again. Give the wheels and track a good cleaning, and do the things mentioned earlier like greasing. Once you get things running ok do not leave the unit unattended and plugged in since it has older wiring
Good Luck with it.

 

[Granpa]

Thanks Guys! I think I'll just replace the wiring tonight and see if that does it. it is very questionable anyway. I was 90% sure that it was a reverse switch mechanism- but needed to be reassured. The engine itself is out of the locomotive and I've gotten it running nice and loose- and it is all oiled up-it just goes only one direction- backwards. Thanks for the help- I have a long night ahead. I will update as things develop. thanks again! It's nice to have someone to talk to.
granpa fred