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Lionel Trains 
I would like to become a Lionel authorized repairman. How do I accomplish this?
To become an authorized repairman, you’ll need to attend a service station training course at our Canfield, Ohio office and successfully pass the exam at the end.
Training courses are offered once a year during the summer. We’ll announce the 2012 dates in March/April. Hope to see you there!
I am interested in this as well.
Hi I am interrested in becoming a authorized repairman, when in 2013 will the training course be held ? How can I contact you for further information or registration? Thank You.
Dennis, we’re redesigning our service center training and certification programs. We won’t be offering any training courses this year. Final plans are still probably at least a year away, but I will keep you appraised when I hear more. Thanks for your interest! If you are in the eastern Ohio area August 17, you may want to stop by our service center open house and talk to Mike Reagan and the staff there directly. We may have a more clear picture of the path ahead by then. I’ll have a blog announcement for the open house here shortly with all of the details.
I also am interested in taking course…i also see that your redesigning your service center training and certification programs. Can you please let me know if there are plans for courses this yr or in the near future…and will there be another open house soon as i live close. Only wish i had found this site yrs earlier. Thank you
Vince
Thanks I will be there!
Adam
I would like to know on the Halloween Trolly I just find a dealer to get or the dealers just give me a stupid answer, getting real tired of these dealers can’t give you a straight answer anymore, can you please Help !!!!!!
I’ll do my best to answer your question. Are you looking to find the Halloween Trolley?
How can i restore the magnatraction on my postwar lionel lines 2037
There are several things that could be causing the problems. If it is simply a loss of magnetism, a magnetizer will do the trick. Chances are it is not an expensive repair, but we recommend that you take the engine to one of our qualified service centers. You can find one near you by using our locator: http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Dealers/ You can also give our Customer Service a call directly at 586-949-4100 or email us at talktous@lionel.com.
Thanks, also when my 2037 passes a track switch the front wheels derail, can you help me with that?
Again, it could be a couple of things. The wheels may be slightly out of gauge, there may be too much or too little tension on the pilot truck, these are common common causes and probably another simple fix for one of our service centers.
Lionel, do you have plans to continue the Postwar Celebration Series and Conventional Classics? These are my favorites, and there are so many more items/sets you can reproduce that I know many collectors would love to see re issued!!!
I can’t comment on specifics, but yes, you will see more to come in these lines!
My air whistle in my Lionel tender is blowing constantly. How can I fix this?
Nick, there are a couple of things that could be causing it. First a question, are you using this in the US or in Europe? (I ask because this is a common problem when trying to run our products on European 80Hz current.) If that is the case, you’ll want to get a voltage converter. Another quick thing to try is reversing the wires on your power supply (red wire to black post, black to red).
If neither of those solve the problem, please give our Customer Service a call at 586-949-4100 or email talktous@lionel.com
Would like to repaint my Lionel Scout black, what is the best way to do this?
There are a variety of ways to do this. An airbrush will provide the best results, but you can get decent results with a can of spray paint if you are careful. It is best to remove the shell from the frame and the mechanism first. The Scout has a pretty simple paint scheme, so stripping may not be abosolutely necessary, but if you want to remove the existing paint first, soak the shell in Windex – this usually works very well as a model paint stripper and will not harm the metal or any plastics underneath. If that isnt potent enough, there are paint strippers available at hobby shops. Make sure you wash the body throroughly to remove any dust and fingerprints prior to painting. You may want to practice on an old car or just some scrap prior to starting on the locomotive.
We’ll be doing some blogs on painting and weathering in the coming months as a follow up on the diorama modeling project that is currently ongoing.
THANK you for a timely response!
I’m a Lionel Blog reader now.
Thanks Lionel! For great products for well over a century, capturing model railroad hobbyists both young and old.
Does the new shark Submarine work like The Postwar Submarine?
Sorry Nick,
Our new subs are not designed to operate.
Now that I’ve repainted my 246X Scout black, what is the best way to letter the engine number?
You have a couple of options here. If you really trust your hand, you could try hand painting with a very fine brush. I would practice on something else first however. (This works better if you have a raised surface to paint. It sounds impossible, but it can be done.)
An easier option is to use decals or dry transfers. You can find lots of varieties and sizes of generic letters and numbers in common railroad fonts, as well as decals for many railroads as well. Not sure if you’re trying to do a restoration of the original scheme or going with something new… If you want to match the orginal you may have some luck with generic letter sets or you may want to do a search for reproduction Lionel lettering decals. It’s not something we stock, but there is probably another supplier out there who has capitalized on the idea.
Either decals or dry transfers are a pretty easy application. Follow the instructions with the kit. If you are doing a letter-by-letter job, lay out the design first a lightly pencil in a straight line for reference. Take care to keep the letters straight and evenly spaced. One advantage of decals over dry transfers is you do have a little time to maneuver things.
Decals genereally adhere better to a glossy paint surface. If you’ve used flat paint, you can clear coat with gloss before applying the decals. After the transfers or decals are in place, it is important to protect them with another coat of clear spray. Flat or gloss will work. Some modelers recommend spraying with gloss first, then flat if you want a flat finish. This hides the film around the edges of the decals better.
Hope that helps, good luck and have fun!
What is the difference between The 700e and the 700ew Hudsons?
I double checked with our friends at the TCA Museum on this one… there is no difference. The “e” is for the e unit reverser and the “w” was used to identify a locomotive with a whistle. Since all of the original Hudsons had both, they are all technically 700ew. But over time this has often been shortened to just 700e – easier to say and still specific enough to distinguish them from the 700k kits.
I recently purchased a polar express elf handcar. On the side that has two elfs, the elfs can jam into the center post during use stopping the car. Lionel site photo shows the elfs facing out from the car. A Google photo shows the two elfs facing in. Does it make a difference which way the elfs face? Is it normal for the elfs to jam when they try to flip over the top of the bar that the hands hold on to? Running the car at a slower speed worked for 10 minutes then jamed stopping the handcar.
The elves are designed so that they can be positioned either way. Our best advice is to try and position them whichever way seems to work best for you. There is probably no way to completely eliminate the jams, but if you may find a little better luck one way or the other.
Where can I get a 2 wheel rear truck for my 2026
Where I get a 2-wheel rear truck for my postwar 2026
Try these two sites: http://www.traintender.com or http://www.smottystoytrainparts.com
Are lionel trains going to be made in america again?
Our first Made in the USA cars, a series of four Presidential boxcars, will be released later this year. While I can’t comment on future plans, our intent is to continue that trend.
how to get rid of paint nicks on my #2065?
Where can i get a replacement lens for my cw-80 watt transformer
Not quite sure what lens you are talking about on the CW-80. You can check our online parts page here: http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/ReplacementParts/index.cfm?doAction=productPartFilter&number=6-14198&productID=593BCAA1-59DE-4050-811564B0DC7EF2E9
Or you can contact our customer service department directly by email: TALKTOUS@Lionel.com or by phone (586) 949-4100. We’ll be happy to help.
the green lens on the transformer that lights up when power is added
This isn’t a part we readily keep in stock, but get in touch with our Customer Service crew at the email and number above and they’ll try to help you out.
how to make a over & under figure 8 with fastrack
Nick, you’ll need four more O-36 curves and two more 10″ straights than are included in the standard set (or substitute other track if you are using different curves.) For the elevation changes, you’ll want our 6-12037 graduated trestle set for FastTrack (this is different than the style for tradional tracks.)
why does my 4-4-2 have only one Traction tire?
What 4-4-2 do you have?
the locomotive that sometimes is found in starter sets.
does any one have the lionel chicago south shore and south bend set
It is possible some of our dealers may still have one on the shelf. If you want to look for dealers near your, you can try our dealer locator: http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Dealers/ You may also want to explore the internet auctions and if you’re able to attend any of the larger train shows across the country, they are often your best bet. Good luck!
what is the difference between 2466w and 2466wx tenders?
Check out this link: http://www.ehow.com/info_8739505_difference-between-lionel-2466w-2466wx.html
my postwar 48-49 2026’s smoke unit sometimes doesn’t work. where should I go to get it fix?
This will help you find a center close to you: http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Dealers/
why do Lionel handcars have rubber Figures and pick-up shoes?
I have a Lionel Hopper Car ARR #16214-(#16487) that is not cataloged. Can anyone help?
Hi, Please Tell Me Lionel Will Once Again Make The Brown Metal Passenger Cars (2442,2443) That Was Made In The Late Forties. These Cars Sell Like Hot-Cakes and People Are Getting Top Dollar Plus For Even Poor Condition Models. I Have Them In Green From My Youth (Now 72), But Would Love To Have A Set Of New Brown Ones! Thanks For Listening, RetiredCarl
ps: Love Your Series On “Weathering”
Carl,
Thanks for the compliments. I’m not sure if these are the exact cars you’re speaking about, but we will be rereleasing the brown “Madison” cars in the upcoming Berkshire JR. sets. Here’s the link to an earlier blog about them: https://lionelllc.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/new-product-spotlight-726-berkshire-sets/ They should ship in December.
Why do docksiders have that weird whistle?
I just bought a command controled switch and when I tell it to go straight it goes curved and tell it to go curved it goes straight the switch is reversed how can I fix it.without ripping up the layout. The switch is in a tunnel.
Paul
ps please rush
Is the problem occuring when throwing the switch with your LEGACY cab or with the switch controller? If the problem is with the physical switch, then the straight and throw wires are probably reversed on the base of the track. Switching the wires will solve the problem, but you will have to take the switch up to do so.
If the problem still occurs when pressing the Aux 1 and Aux 2 buttons on your controller, you may have a program conflict with another switch on the layout. Check to make sure you don’t have two switches set to the same address. You can reprogram the switch address by following the instructions in the manual using the program button, or the soft-set method if you can not reach the switch.
I have a ?,my grandfathers old train it say’s lionel lines,it’s red&aluminum,it does’nt have couples like the other trains,it has a extension from the car to the next one,then there’s a round pipe that works up & down to couple or release.The bottom of the engine there is 2plates,it looks like that were the power when in it has 2 wheels on the left has gears,the other side just has plain wheels.The plate on the bottem saids.Made in US of America,2nd line LIONEL 027,3rd say’s the lionel corporation,NY,i’m missing a wheel without the gear?do you have a wheel for it&can you tell me about this model,i just had a hip replacement,when i heal i could make a wheel,but i’d like a real one,thank you
Geary,
No doubt there are dealers out there who specialize in older trains who will have appropriate wheels. Unfortunately, we won’t have any in stock going back that far. The first challenge will be to determine what set it is so you know what wheel you’re looking for. To be completely honest, I’m not entirely sure! I would pose the question on the O Gauge Railroading Forum – lot’s of collectors there who will be able to point you in the right direction and someone may even have the part you’re after! Check it out at http://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/
Thank you,i don’t have any track for it,it was my grandfathers
________________________________
Track is not a problem! We still make O-27 tubular track if you ever want to run it again.
Thank you i’m trying to fine out about it’s age.
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Thank you i have another lionel engine it’s from the 50th.s and a couple of cars i have to check out,Thanks alot
What does it take to become a Lionel Dealer ??
Scott, please contact our senior Sales Coordinator, Deb Esser at desser@lionel.com and she will send you all the required information.
Getting back into the hobby after a multi-decade break. After watching Lionel product videos (getting back up to speed), I still have several questions. Here is one. Can a feeder track (from the main power bus) exist in an accessory activation zone set up with an isolated outside rail?
Yes, but you would have to modify the feeder track slightly. Remove the metal bus bar that connects the two outside rails and make sure that the feeder is attached only to the outside rail that is not gapped. Check out this page and video to see this modification. https://lionelllc.wordpress.com/projects-and-tips/wiring-your-layout/introduction-to-lionel-accessories/accessory-activator-track-insulated-outside-rail-6-12029/
My hunch was correct. Thank you very much for the speedy reply!!!
to whom it may concern, I dont know who to call so i hope this finds the rite desk,
The home page artticle regarding the SP Daylite state that “None were saved”. The 4449 is still in a permanent display in oregon:
http://4449.com/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_4449
Thanks for your comment, the 4449 is a GS-4. None of the GS-2s were saved. We’ve also produced models of the GS-4, and 4449 in particular in the past.
Can anyone tell me anything about a train about 70 years old it is all metal and has the #224E two metal Pullman cars painted green with cream trimmed doors and windows with the #2640 it does run and I would say it is in good condition thank you
Check the 1940 Catalog….you have a great train there. The 224e is an extremely smooth running locomotive and probably came with a die cast whistle tender numbered 224W on the bottom. I run 2 similar locomotives the 225 and 226 which have the same motor. The green passenger cars you have are the small tinplate passenger cars of the late pre-WWII era.
How do you determine which Lionel boxcars are large size and which are the smaller O-27 size when looking at them on eBay? Is there an indicator one can look for to insure they are the large size?
Traditional post WWII Lionel 6454 Boxcars 9 1/4 long similar stock cars and refrigerator cars as well as the operating cattle car and all white milk car
Next series larger 6464 boxcars from postwar era there are similar larger operating cars in this series as well think brown and white milk car horse car etc. No on aluminum passenger cars no on 16 wheel machinery cars because of the length Small streamline passenger cars are fine
MPC through Kughn era 9200, 9400, and 9700 series boxcars I would avoid the 9800 series Standard O cars as they are a bit long for O-27. Again no aluminum passenger cars smaller “Madison type” passenger cars are fine 9500 series such as Southern Crescent, Alton Ltd, Chessie Steam Special cars are O-27 friendly as well. Small streamlined passenger cars are fine
Modern era anything labelled “Standard O” is a challenge on O-27 stay with the 6464 remakes among other similar sized cars
My 682 turbine’s front truck derails when the locomotive makes a curve on my fastrack. o-36 curve
Hi! I am in my 40’s and have just realized a dream of having a Lionel train and set up when I very unexpectedly received a Lionel Horseshoe Curve set for Christmas. As I am new to this I will be looking for advice and following posts closely. Before I can do much of anything I need to find a large table or stantd that looks nice and can be added to as needed as I am planning on changing it with the seasons/holidays. Are there tables specifically made for trainsets and if so, where can they be purchased? I am also a teacher and was thinking of paying some of the woodshop kids to make me a custom table. If I go this route, what are some basic specifications I should give the students regarding type of materials, reinforcements, etc.
There are some companies that make custom layout tables and benchwork. TW Trainworx in Dallas, TX has made most of our current travelling layouts. They also have several kits available based on classic Lionel dealer displays. You can check them out at http://www.twtrainworx.com/. If you want to build it yourself, or with your students, the basic dimensions are all up to you.
As a minimum, you’ll want to set up the track in your current set and measure the total dimensions – then add at least 2 inches around the outside for a little protection. Of course if you plan on expanding your set, you may want to go larger. Many modelers start with a 4×8 sheet of plywood as a convenient platform. For framing, you can support it with 2x4s, 1x4s or rip your own supports from 3/4″ plywood. Frame it out just like you would frame a wall, with a frame around the perimeter and “studs” on 16″ centers.
As far as height, that is also entirely up to you. 30″ works well for most people and for kids. Some prefer a higher platform however as it makes it easier to work on wiring underneath and puts the action closer to eye level.
Another alternative you may want to consider is a modular layout. This could be a very cool class project as each student builds a module following the standards and plans here on our blog. The requirement for all of the units to lock together would add a lot to the lesson. Then they can express their creative side in the scenery and join all of their modules together at the end for a large layout. Here is the link to the modular railroad page: https://lionelllc.wordpress.com/lionel-fastrack-modular-railroad/ Good luck and welcome to the hobby!
I have a question regarding the Lionel dump car (6-16600). The plunger underneath the car attracts to a section of remote control track, but the car does not dump. Is the other piece of metal attached to underside of the bin supposed to act like magnet, and repel from the plunger? What are some potential causes of dumping problems?
That metal pin is usually the culprit. But fortunately, it is easy to fix. If you adjust the pin up or down to increase / decrease the surface area in contact with the plunger, you can usually solve the problem. You probably just need to push the pin up a little bit. If the pin is too high, you get the opposite problem of dumping too easily. If you still have problems, please feel free to give our customer service center a call at 586-949-4100 and we’ll be happy to help.
Is the metal pin in the middle of the plunger? How would you make the adjustment?
Yes. You should be able to grab the pin and gently pull or push it up or down. A small pair of needle-nose pliers may be helpful to grab hold.
Will Lionel make locomotives that are not remote controlled? You have them in starter sets, but I only want to purchase the locomotive and tender. The same is true with the diesels. The engines that are remote controlled are way out of my price range. I am retired and live on a fixed income. I would love to enjoy this hobby with my grandchildren but the prices are incredible. I am sure their are many retired people who would love to continue the hobby of their youth if only the prices were more reasonable. Engines that are not remote controlled for $250 are more in my price range.
Joe, While I don’t know the specifics of our production plans for the future, I can say that we are looking to expand our line of starter sets, both radio controlled and conventional, in the 2013 Ready to Run catalog which should be available towards the end of this month. We do have starter sets in both forms under the $250 price. And our radio controlled sets are actually less expensive (there is no transformer) and more child-friendly than the comparable transformer-controlled set. At this time I don’t know of plans to release radio control locomotives individually, but we’ll see what the new catalog has in store!
Hello. Just bought a 6-14537 and am testing with my Legacy Cab-2 in TMCC mode. No RailSouds. Everything seems OK. Smoke generator is OK, auto-coupler, speed, etc. Just no start up/shut down sounds, crew talk, RPMs, nothng. Is the board fried? Thanks,
ed
Can you tell me the production run of the cal Stewart life savers tank cars like how many of each was made?
Sorry Ben, I don’t have access to our production figures for that car.
Please excuse if this question is in the wrong place or appears to be an off subject matter comment to another blog thread. If that is so, please advise on how to submit a question to the Blog. If i’m in the right place then okay and here’s my question; I know of the Legacy Pilot Version Limited Production runs made of the EM-1, Blue Comet Pacific, UP 9000 and the latest very limited run on the SP GS-4 loco’s. I hear scuttle that there was an earlier Pilot version produced prior to the EM-1 and maybe even more. If so what loco or locos would these be and what is the product number? Once again, my apologies if this ends up in the wrong place. Thanks.
Jerry, the first, and only other, Pilot model of which I’m aware was the Milwaukee Road Northern made two years ago. It, and the other models, were never cataloged so I don’t have a product number. Thanks!
Thanks, good information. Now does anyone know where I can find one other than on Ebay? Thanks again
Why does the vintage 2006/7 4-4-2 Hiawatha “require” O-54 minimum curves while other newer Legacy 4-4-2 steam locomotives can run on O-36 curves. I thought maybe it was the tether-less link, but I see that same link used on these newer locos. The other question is – did Lionel ever make O-54 Fastrack? If yes, it’s might hard to find.
Paul, have you tried it on o-36? I know on several of the newer locomotives I’ve bought will actually negotiate tighter curves than advertised but it just looks terrible doing it. I haven’t ran these locos on the tighter radius for any real period of time and don’t know if extended running on a tighter radius would cause a problem but I can’t see where it would beyond possibly causing traction tire to wear quicker or a rub spot between the loco and tender if they touch in a curve. I’ve seen fast track in 48, 60 72 and now I hear of 84 and 90 in. radius track. From what I have seen advertised, 54 is not a fast track offering. Certainly not an official Lionel reply and maybe not as good of a reply as you had hoped for but I’d try it slowly and see if it will negotiate the O-36 and appears acceptable as it does it. Good luck.
I called Lionel today about the smoke fluid loader we’ve been waiting for at least 2 years now. I asked why it was pulled from the website shipping schedule figuring it had been dropped like the rotary coal dump. I was told “maybe it has been shipped”. If Lionel doesn’t know this, who does? Also when can we expect the LCS wi-fi adapter? The lead time for these things is ludicrous. It’s been so long for the smoke loader I forget which dealer I paid the deposit to.
Mr Willard,
The smoke fluid loader has not been dropped, or shipped. We are still working through some things in production. I don’t have an estimated delivery time for this or the wi-fi adapter at this time. When we do have more information, it will be added to our shipping schedule.
I was wondering the same thing! But cool to know the deal now.
I am looking to upgrade a NYC Hudson with railsounds, but am wondering what kit I should get?
Call the folks at Electric RR Company directly. They’ll be happy to help. (408) 454-4127 or errsupport@lionel.com.
I would like to pursue my interest in O gauge model trains and Lionel. I have been extremely frustrated in obtaining any Lionel trains advertised in recent or dated catalogs. Would I be better served to begin searching Atlas and other brands rather then Lionel? I have saved my money and placed orders for models which were to be received in August, 2013. I have been told the trains and cars ordered will not be available until March, 2014 at the earliest. Kinda makes me wonder if Lionel is the O gauge route I should pursue.
Walt,
As others here have commented, you are certainly not alone in your frustrations. I think you will start to see improvement in 2014. We won’t be perfect, but the forecast is looking better. That being said, there will always be some delay between a catalog announcement and delivery. All of our high-end locomotives will be built-to-order starting in 2014. This will assure that we have enough orders to make production and don’t flood the market with excess, but also should prevent anyone who wants one from missing their chance based on a low production estimate on our part. It also means we can’t begin production or even completely secure our production schedule, before you’ve all had a chance to see the catalogs and place orders.
As to your current backlog, if you’ll let me know what products you’re waiting for, I’ll try to get you an update.
Walt,
I have the same complaint. There are a lot of Lionel products already on the market and available but if you want something specific you may be waiting a long time and it could also be cancelled and never released at all. Just a warning.
Walt, you are not alone. However, many manufacturers are also in the same boat due to an unfolding situation in China in which they were “booted” from a manufacturing facility. Couple that with the tough time the Chinese are having with building models that meet the current price point.
Who knows, maybe soon Made in the USA will be back!!
Unfortunately Mr. Zimmer this is part of collecting miniature trains. I have been doing this for better than 45 years and the quest and yearning for more or the seemingly never ending wait is just part of it. This I believe is a major catalyst that causes people that hobby in miniature trains to become artists and craft many things themselves. That also comes with some great feeling of achievement when done correctly too. I have modeled many scales over the years and am leaving HO to return to Lionel Standard O scale and model as a Hi Rail 3 rail modeler myself. The ease and sureness of taller flanges and 3 rails is welcome after the endless years of dealing with scale 2 rail anxieties. Believe it or not, Lionel does a very good job at delivering in comparison to other scales and companies but it is so popular it sells out quickly. I have found that getting the new catalogues as quickly as you can and place your order with a good shop is the key to getting most of what you want in Lionel trains and model railroading in general. Swap meets and secondary markets can help in finding some of the other things on a list of wanted items too. I also feel the waiting within reason for some of these items add to the fun and excitement of the hobby. It would be less appealing to me if it all could be bought at a store or on line at any given moment but I also have a list of things I missed when they came out and wait for the day those items rise to the top and become available from estate sales and similar. This probably isn’t the exact response you had hoped for but other scales and other manufacturers are having similar anxieties and in many cases even deeper pains than Lionel waiting periods. Be effective in your search and order as soon as you see the items you want and try to embrace the process this hobby has followed since it became a hobby. Best of luck to you.
I will say, Lionel has the best in o-gauge there is. Their Legacy system is going to be hard to beat, I have several others , but I always find myself when someone comes to see my layout starting out showing off my Lionel stuff first, they have the most realistic features there is & smoothness.
I own a 726 Lionel engine from the Century club. The drive wheels are starting to slip. I think there are rubber tires that are supposed to be placed on these wheels? How does one put them on? Does the connecting rod have to removed?
Charles Meyer
Yes. You can get replacement tires from our customer service department if you need them. Check out the replacement parts pages on our website ( http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/ReplacementParts/ )or give us a call at 586-949-4100. You will have to remove the side rod to replace the tire. Once the rod is off it is a relatively easy task.
Is there any dates set for 2014 on trainning to become an authorized lionel repairman yet?
No, not at this time.
Can you ballpark a date on release of the new 2014 catalog?
The Signature, Ready to Run, American Flyer and Track and Power catalogs are all in editing now. We’re looking towards the end of February for release of all four. When a date is set, we will announce it on our social channels.
Has Lionel ever made a flat car with a deep sea submersible?
Yes, we have made several over the years.
Is Lionel planning to build a Shuttle accessory? It seems such a great prototype for an accessory, many possibilities. If not, why not? I apologize if this comment is out of place, but I’m new to blogging. thanks.
Is Lionel going to stop making tubular track?
Unfortunately Nick, I can’t comment on our future business decisions here.
I also am interested in taking course…i also see that your redesigning your service center training and certification programs. Can you please let me know if there are plans for courses this yr or in the near future…and will there be another open house soon as i live close. Only wish i had found this site yrs earlier. Thank you
Vince
Vince,
Our Customer Service center is currently in the process of relocation to North Carolina. Unfortunately we will not have an open house this year. Plans for future training and certification programs will be developed after Service has settled into their new home and operations have returned to normal.
can you tell me which way to put a lock on the track in a figure eight loop
after the cross over do I set the lock on on the inside and middle track
or do i continue to follow the original set up of outside and middle track
Doug, It doesn’t matter. The CTC lock can be applied to either outside rail and the center rail so put it close to where it works best for you. The outside rails are common to each other through the non insulated outside rails through the steel tie on tube rail or thorough jumper straps between the outside rails on the underside of snap track. If you are using older tube rail, those can get loose around the pins and also get highly resistive through the pins and a thorough dis-assembly of the pins for cleaning of pins and internal surfaces in the tube rails where pins go will be necessary. You will also want to use a good rail crimp plier to snug the tube onto the pins at re-assembly or use a good needle nose plier on the base of the tube rail to snug up on the pins if you don’t have a good rail crimp plier. Additionally use a good track cleaning buffer stone to clean rail surfaces of dirt that may hinder your operation as well if you’re having operation problems. Alot of advise here you may already know but to answer your question you asked, the CTC lock can go on however you want as long as it is connecting with one outside rail and the other lock tab on the center rail. Good Luck.
Thank you Jerry that gives me peace of mind as I was thinking I had reversed the current as the train slows down a bit when turning the far loop. I will double verify the pins on each track to make sure they are tight.
Yes
I have a 80 watt transformer that came with my train I now have a second engine and both are TMCC. I want to expand my layout to run both trains together on separte loops which will be connected. Can I run both loops and engines off one 180 watt powerhouse power supply? Do I need a block section of track to separate the loops or just connect the loops with one power supply?
Yes, 180 watts should be sufficient for 2 tmcc engines, 80 watts would not, you would need 2 80 watts with blocks if that be the case.
I am wondering if there is a Authorized Repair Training class scheduled for 2015. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Louie
can the asc2 work with the cab-1 base and remote