Restoring Prewar Lionel Streamliner 1700E

[pjdog350]

I tried put the e-unit in the Jr motor and followed the Diagram carefully. When I tried running the motor all I got was a light and a cycling e-unit. Motor did not run? I checked the wiring to the diagram. I had it correct. I decided I’d try new new e-unit. Again I double checked my wiring back to the diagram that Terry sent. It’s correct. Tried the motor again and got a red light on the MTH Z4000. Went back to the diagram, again it’s as shown in the diagram???

I’m not stupid. It’s the E-unit gods are against me. Maybe the gods are good friends with the X-wife? But somethings  not right here. So far it’s E-units 4 me 0. Sense the first e-unit I tried didn’t short out I went back to that one. As I removed the new e-unit and grabbed the unit to pull it out I grabbed the hot e-unit coil solder and cooked my thumb. At the time I thought maybe it’s time for a large hammer! Once the thumb felt better I put the old e-unit back in, double checked the soldering, connections, diagram. It’s good. Put the motor on the track and put power to the motor. Again I had a light, e-unit cycling but no movement? Got a flashlight and watched the e-unit drum rolling? WTH. I tapped the top of the E-unit a couple times and the motor took off like a shot. I turned off the power. Got the motor back in front of me and turned the e-unit arm off to see if it will still run. Nothing. I tapped the top of the e-unit again and the motor went the other way. But the arm is in the off position. I kept tapping the top of the e-unit and the motor would change direction However the motor does not keep running very long. The drum and fingers I installed are maybe 10 years old so maybe they need to be polished.

I gave up. Put the motor back to forward only. Went inside and got another cup of coffee. 

Sometimes things just need to be left alone and come back later and you may see the problem.

2020’s been a hard year!

[Terry]

I have problems with the steam switchers. I get to the point where I want to just throw it, and then put it aside for a while.

[pjdog350]

After taking a break from the e-unit thing I’m pretty much thinking the fingers and drum have been sitting out in the garage in Florida heat and humidity for 7 or 8 years. I’ll bet they oxidized.

 My third Lionel streamliner showed up today I’ll probably take the new one apart in the morning. Soak the motor in mineral spirits. If I have time I’ll even sand blast the cars. But I will take the e-unit apart polish the drum & fingers. But that will be it for the day. I also got the parts to put the second JR back together. I think. It’s going to look great.

I only get an hour or so to do the trains. My wife requires attention all day. She’s got allot of health problems and I look after her. She took care of me for 36 years. Now its my turn to do the same.

[pjdog350]

I have all the parts I need to put this 1700 Jr back together. I did it silver.

[pjdog350]

Started putting this one back together. The silver paint is coming off in my hands as I handle the cars. Just a little but it’s still disturbing.

I have the trucks riveted to the frames and working the car bodies onto the frames. That’s not easy. So many tabs to line up. Plus I had to make two new tabs. I didn’t get but a little time to do the assembly today.

[pjdog350]

I’m making good progress on this 1700. I got a proper e-unit installed that works great. I have the power unit and one coach together. The observation car I had to make two new tabs as the original one were very rusty and broke off. Getting the new tabs to line up is proving a little difficult.

When I was working on this 1700 I had some problems with the silver paint coming off in my hands. I put the bodies out in the sun yesterday and today I didn’t have any trouble with the paint at all. I hope to be done with this unit tomorrow. S&W parts had the 1700LL (Lionel Lines) board so I ordered 16 of them for all my train sets I’m doing.

[pjdog350]

Almost done with the Lionel 1700E. I did get a 1700 E-Unit without a arm which is working great.
I have the thing put back together but still waiting on the 1700LL boards that say 'Lionel Lines' for the sides of the cars.
This one runs great.
 

[Terry]

I bake the paint. Turn the oven on so it preheats to about 200 degrees. Then put the painted trains in, and turn the oven off. Close the door. Supposedly it gives you a harder finish.

[pjdog350]

Great idea Terry. I thought of putting them out in the sun. Still pretty warm here on Florida.

I use to put Engine castings in the oven to pull the cab roof out when bent. Working pretty well.

[pjdog350]

While doing some maintenance on the first Lionel 1700 streamline I restored I broke one of the new tabs I made for the missing one. The body drop down the side and put a good scratch in the frame. I did have allot of trouble lining up the new brass tab when I first assembled it. Plus the silver paint keeps coming off on my hands whenever I handle it. I decided I’d try putting a clear coat over it and see how that works.

I’ve repaired the broken tab. I’ve removed the trucks (I hate rivets). Today I’ll apply a coat of clear.

I’m not using anymore of these rivets. Trucks will go back on with nuts & bolts. My local hardware store has some super nice round Allen headed black bolts that look good.

[pjdog350]

This clear coat over the silver was not a good idea. Some of the silver turned rather gray while the rest stayed silver. I’m not happy. But I can always strip it and do another color. I have a few in mind.

There is allot to painting I do not understand. I guess like most things there is allot to know.

It’s still fun. Just to bring my state of mind up I bought another three car 1700. I need to add three more mainlines to the layout so like the rest of you and can run them all. I have allot of 054 MTH realtrax. Just need more straights. I even have some 042.

[CNJRR]

A couple of thoughts.
What brand paint did you use?
What brand clear coat was it?
Prime it?
Prep work?
A wipe down with alcohol (or something) before painting?
How many coats? How long of a wait in-between coats?
How long did they sit before you picked them up?
The humidity level must be high down there?

[CNJRR]

That diagram post #10 that Terry posted.
You do know if you click on it it enlarges?
Plenty big then.
EDIT, never mind I didn't see the Terry told you that.

[pjdog350]

Used Krylon silver
Used Krylon mat clear coat thin.
Krylon gray prime
Painted the Lionel 1700 two months ago silver.
Silver kept rubbing off so I thought some clear key help stop it.
I did wipe down with a prep cloth.
Just put on one thin clear coat.
Never did pick them up by hand. I use claps that I hold item I’m painting.
It’s Florida so humidity is a problem unless you have a controlled painting both which I don’t have.

[CNJRR]

After you sprayed on the clear coat, was the silver still coming off after it dried?