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  1. Dub

    23-year-old enthusiast of old-school 3-rail O gauge models

    If you try again, the manual will reference the 2333 ( pg 173) not the 2343. The only difference that I know of is the 2343 has a newer brushplate. Years ago I bought used 2333 SF in rough condition. I operate it with only one motor now. The two motors were way off and did not work well...
  2. Dub

    23-year-old enthusiast of old-school 3-rail O gauge models

    Welcome to the Forum! Servicing your engines is a good place to start. Your grandfather obviously took care of those trains. They look to be in great condition. Did he leave you with any manuals or printed information?
  3. Dub

    Sawdust? What can I use for HO sawdust?

    A belt sander with a collection bag will work.
  4. Dub

    Lionel 224 steam engine, questions on motor and tender

    I often work the old fingers into position for reuse. They get replaced if the ends are worn out or really twisted. Old ones are much heavier built. Whatever tool you do get, just pop it open and try not to bend the side plates.
  5. Dub

    Lionel 224 steam engine, questions on motor and tender

    https://trainrepairparts.com/shop/product/3549/e-unit-spreader-tool The spreader tool is st 303. There is another tool that holds the e unit and comes with a spreader. That cost is the price of two e units. These parts are listed at the Train Tender. You can search online for other part...
  6. E-unit parts.jpg

    E-unit parts.jpg

    • Dub
    • Media item
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    • Media category: Tinplate and Hi-Rail
  7. Dub

    Lionel 224 steam engine, questions on motor and tender

    "Not running Well", What does that mean? To me if it runs, it works. It is an 80 year old engine and will not run like a top after being in storage. It is an electric toy, the track has to be clean and I hope the transformer is large enough to supply the power you need. If it runs DO exactly...
  8. Dub

    Lionel 224 steam engine, questions on motor and tender

    I think the wheels are better off if left alone. Replace your brushes and springs. They are totally worn. You can work your armature in place with 320 grit paper. Take the same number of strokes on each plate ( center ) and also across the joining edges. Six places will get you around the...
  9. Dub

    Help identifying this 2 rail track

    If it is not factory insulated, it would have been a spring drive motor.
  10. Dub

    Missing Member

    This guy just made a post, Here is the threadhttps://modelrailroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/bonding-with-grandson.39142 Could this be him?
  11. Dub

    I need help making a relay operated two train O gauge layout

    Another item pops into mind, if you are into auto control, with or without relays, you need to know how to stop the engine and restart once you are into a sequence. All sorts of things could happen to alter the sequence so that it may not continue. For example, relays may reset, or if the engine...
  12. Dub

    I need help making a relay operated two train O gauge layout

    If you are going to have elevated track you should go with a long incline. The trestle dimensions are steep and you will quickly be able to assess your engines that are capable of running. The master switch can override auto switching and insulated rail usage. If you have insulated blocks...
  13. Dub

    Marx Bell Crossing Signal No. 418

    I also got a prewar Marx 417. It needs some work. This is just an introductory video you may like to watch. I found it to post here.
  14. IMG_20260313_114937813amaller.jpg

    IMG_20260313_114937813amaller.jpg

    • Dub
    • Media item
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    • Media category: Tinplate and Hi-Rail
  15. Dub

    Marx Bell Crossing Signal No. 418

    They don't always look pretty.
  16. IMG_20260315_132030689small.jpg

    IMG_20260315_132030689small.jpg

    • Dub
    • Media item
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    • Media category: Tinplate and Hi-Rail
  17. Dub

    Marx Bell Crossing Signal No. 418

    Looking at the clapper the most important piece is the spring. It is an easy thing to miss. The spring has a 3/16th width and 7/16th height. If you have to replace one these dimensions are a start. Just about any soft spring could work. Added info on the screw a 6-32 about 1/8th inches...
  18. IMG_20260315_132534981small.jpg

    IMG_20260315_132534981small.jpg

    • Dub
    • Media item
    • Comments: 0
    • Media category: Tinplate and Hi-Rail
  19. IMG_20260315_132950468small.jpg

    IMG_20260315_132950468small.jpg

    • Dub
    • Media item
    • Comments: 0
    • Media category: Tinplate and Hi-Rail
  20. Dub

    Marx Bell Crossing Signal No. 418

    TABS These accessories can be fun to repaint for your scheme, but you have to deal with tabs. TABS are held on by two methods, flap over and twisted. They are durable but can fail over time. The go around is having the extra part in hand. Or you just get crafty and solve it. The picture in...




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