I came across this thread tonight while searching on here for something else. A perfect example is what I did for a couple of hours today... practically rebuilding a brand new Lionel 6-81063 gateman. I figured I'd buy one to give my Postwar 145 a rest up on the shelf. This is the first time I've bought a modern era accessory in a loooong time. What a mistake.
First of all, the light bulb would not light in the shanty. It was a tiny screw in bulb... I couldn't get my fingers in to tighten it. I figured it had to go because the vibration from the solenoid is going to loosen it over time; so I got out the Dremel and cut the whole darn socket out and installed an old school bayonet socket and bulb. I used a small screw to hold it on so I can take it out for when I need to replace the bulb. Problem solved. Supposedly Lionel has changed this to an LED lamp in the latest runs (but beware if you are ordering one off the internets sight unseen in the middle of the night like I did).... both have the same model number. So it might be a crapshoot on which one will show up on your doorstep.
Old socket & bulb:
New socket:
New bulb & socket:
Next, the darn thing's door wouldn't close... too much play in the large metal gear segment, letting it get hung up. Added a small washer & 3-in-1 oil on the pivot point, adjusted the spring so there's more tension. Problem solved.
Washer:
Spring adjustment:
After that, all was working awesome! Buuuuuut... I noticed the figure's arm wasn't swinging when he'd pop out of the door.. What in the heck? Lazy gateman! It looks like it was missing the pin in his shoulder and his arm was glued on... Are they gluing them on at the factory now? I ended up doing emergency surgery. Dismembered his arm and drilled a tiny hole in his shoulder (his arm already had a hole) then shoved a tiny brad into the hole to hold it on loosely. Got some touch up paint out to cover up the brad. Bingo! Waving away now.
Hmmmm.... today I was going to do some grease & lube maintenance on some engines of mine, I guess that plan got shot out the window. I should've just bought another Postwar 145.
