early 1970s Lionel O27 ?

[michaeljoe]

I got this trai

 

[AuburnCentral]

Isn’t that switch just to lock it in the direction that it is set for the direction unit should be inside the locomotive and each time the power is turned on and off it switches and if I remember right there is a neutral position in between the directions

 

[Bruette]

I was wondering could I just take a power pack that has forward and reverse on it and use that as my directional power source?

No, your locomotive is designed to run with an AC transformer.

What you have is the Lionel 8351 Santa Fe Diesel 1973–75. Cool looking locomotive!

The switch works in One direction and won't fully engage in the opposite direction.

Looking at the photo it is engaged in the forward position, not the reverse position. If it runs, I would leave it be.

Before I take it apart to try and work on it and fix it, is there any suggestions on how to do this?

Quick test: Place the engine on the track, switch toward the front, apply power. If it moves nose-first, you’re in forward. If not, the switch may need cleaning or adjustment.

How to remove the shell:

• Flip the locomotive upside down
  • Place it on a soft cloth to avoid scratching the paint.
• Locate the body screws
  • On the 8351, there are usually two screws underneath:
    • One near the front truck
    • One near the rear truck
  • They go up through the metal chassis into posts inside the plastic shell.
• Remove the screws
  • Carefully back them out with your screwdriver.
  • Keep them in a small dish so they don’t get lost.
• Lift the shell straight up
  • Gently spread the sides of the shell if it feels snug.
  • Be mindful of the headlight wire — it connects the shell to the chassis. Don’t yank it.
• Disconnect the headlight (optional)
  • If you need the shell completely free, carefully unplug or unsolder the headlight wire.
  • If you’re just cleaning or adjusting the reversing switch, you can usually leave it connected and set the shell gently to the side.

There are two common problems that can cause the switch not to operate properly.

• Dirt/Oxidation: Decades of dust, oil, grease, or oxidation can make the contacts stiff or misaligned.
• Bent Contacts: The copper fingers that route current may be slightly bent, so they don’t seat properly in one position.

1. Cleaning:
   • Open the shell and carefully clean the switch contacts with isopropyl alcohol or a contact cleaner.
   • Avoid abrasive sanding unless corrosion is heavy.
2. Adjustment:
   • Gently bend the contact fingers so they make solid contact in both positions.
   • Check that the toggle lever isn’t loose or cracked.
3. Replacement:
   • If the switch is too worn, you can replace it with a reproduction manual switch or upgrade to a small 2-position reversing unit (E-unit substitute). Collectors often use part 101-1 or similar.
4. Upgrade Path:
   • Some hobbyists retrofit these engines with a full E-unit (automatic reversing relay), so you can change direction from the transformer instead of flipping the switch manually.

Caution​

• Be careful not to over-bend the contacts — they can snap.
• Always disconnect power before working inside.
• If you’re not comfortable soldering, a local train repair shop can swap the switch for you quickly.

In short: try cleaning and adjusting first. If it still won’t engage, replacement is the long-term fix.

 

[Bruette]

Isn’t that switch just to lock it in the direction that it is set for the direction unit should be inside the locomotive and each time the power is turned on and off it switches and if I remember right there is a neutral position in between the directions

This locomotive has a manual reversing switch. They were a cost-cutting alternative to the automatic “E-unit.”

 

[AuburnCentral]

Thanks have not come across that one yet

 

[Bruette]

Thanks have not come across that one yet

Lionel made some that ran on DC. O gauge DC trains, I had no idea. I was surprised to learn that.

To prevent confusion, this 8351 Santa Fe Diesel is not designed for DC, AC transformer only.

 

[AuburnCentral]

I thought all Lionel was ac at least O27 and O gauge

 

[michaeljoe]

Isn’t that switch just to lock it in the direction that it is set for the direction unit should be inside the locomotive and each time the power is turned on and off it switches and if I remember right there is a neutral position in between the directions

Correct and it does run in the forward position when it is placed on the track.
So I believe I will do what...Bruette suggestion take apart and clean an examine and see what happens.

 

[Bruette]

Well done @michaeljoe

 

[AuburnCentral]

That will work under the tree nicely

 

[Snowman]

My brothers and I were given a Santa Fe passenger car set in the late sixties, powered by an ALCO FA, but in the red warbonnet scheme. IIRC (50-50 on that) there were three passenger cars behind that FA, and one, I know, was a Santa Fe type (vs. Budd type) dome car. I believe the consist was FA, RPO, Dome coach and flat roof observation car...and I know where it is on this estate property, but I can't get to it yet. I do also remember it was AC, in that each time you stopped, it automatically reversed direction. However, there might also have been that reversing switch on the roof too--it rings a dim bell looking at the photo.

Would you be interested in the set at some point when I can get to it? Free, although I might ask you to pay for the shipping cost, but otherwise free: I'd be happy to see it go to someone who appreciates it and could get it running again.

 

[AuburnCentral]

Hello if he does not want it, I would be interested in it for our daughters. Angelia Trotter, I believe I have it right, wrote a book called the Mighty Santa Fe. I bought it from her at a train show many years ago and then I read it to our daughters every Christmas at least until the youngest went to college but it may have been even after that. As part of old traditions there were several books that were read every year at different holidays and even when they got older they would have me still read them. Great memories

 

[Bruette]

each time you stopped, it automatically reversed direction

That is not an economy set, your locomotive has an automatic E-unit. No directional switch.

No offense gentlemen but my advice to @Snowman would be to sell the set. If you are going to take the time and effort to pack and ship it, you should get something in return to show for it. If you are not interested in a fixed price, sell it at auction on eBay, you might get a pretty penny.

But that is just me, being self-employed for most of my life, the old habit of generating revenue dies hard in me.

I may be a Lionel train nut, but I'm not crazy. At least not completely crazy, yet.

 

[Bruette]

Angelia Trotter, I believe I have it right, wrote a book called the Mighty Santa Fe. I bought it from her at a train show many years ago and then I read it to our daughters every Christmas at least until the youngest went to college but it may have been even after that. As part of old traditions there were several books that were read every year at different holidays and even when they got older they would have me still read them. Great memories

A wonderful memory, thank you for sharing that.

"The Mighty Santa Fe", a children’s picture book written by William H. Hooks and illustrated by Angela Trotta Thomas.

Lionel and Angela Trotta Thomas are intricately connected.

• She’s been officially licensed by Lionel for decades, creating artwork that celebrates the nostalgia of toy trains.
• Her paintings have appeared on the covers of Lionel catalogs, in national magazines, and even directly on Lionel products like boxcars and locomotives.
• Collectors also know her for a series of holiday‑themed boxcars and prints, like Christmas Eve, Santa’s Break, and Lionelville Christmas.

 

[AuburnCentral]

Thanks, I had forgotten that she did not write it. She was selling and signing the books at the show. Somewhere I have her business card and her info is on one side and the other side is one of her paintings

 

[Bruette]

I would be interested in it for our daughters.

I would recommend this set.

Santa Fe Super Chief LionChief® Bluetooth 5.0 Set

www.lionelstore.com

You can get one brand new, with a warranty, loaded with "Bells and Whistles". It even comes with a remote. It can also be run via the LionChief® App on a smart phone or other device. With Lionel Voice Control you can run this set by speaking commands into your phone using the LionChief® App.

Amazon has it, if you search you may even find a better price.

Lionel Santa Fe Super Chief Electric O Gauge 5.0 Bluetooth Train Set with Remote​

 

[Bruette]

Thanks, I had forgotten that she did not write it. She was selling and signing the books at the show. Somewhere I have her business card and her info is on one side and the other side is one of her paintings

You have her autograph, how cool is that!

 

[AuburnCentral]

It’s personalized to our daughters

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

It’s personalized to our daughters

If you have a bit of cash, (And IF they are willing to ship), this might be worth you time.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...place_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

 

[Snowman]

Got your PM, AC, and I will try to dig my way over to it in the next couple of weeks. I hope it's in good condition...but I don't recall having seen it in the last thirty years at least. But I also know it's there....