Lionel No 8 questions

@cbojanower posted:

I am setting up a Lionel No 8 and have a couple questions.

1. What end is considered forward ? The end with the reversing lever or the other. Or red light housing or blue?
2. Only one of the lights turn on. I checked both bulbs and they are good. Do both light turn on at the same time? Is there a switch I'm missing or do I need to look for a broken wire?

1. I don’t believe there is any designated forward. I run my 8’s and 10’s with the convention that the pantograph is running in the front, based upon the reverse switch position. The light housing has green and red on each side

2. Both lights are on at the same time. There is no additional switch. I would check for a broken wire. Also check that the fiber board that slips into the light housing is all the way inserted up so the electrical contact is positioned to contact the bulb end.

BTW your engine looks to be in great shape, enjoy it.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can approximate directional  lighting by wiring each bulb to one of the brushes.  That way, when you're going one way, one bulb is getting direct track power and the other is getting reduced voltage by the motor acting as a resistor.  You may have to monkey with the wires a bit to get the directionals synced up to the reverser, but it IS a fun and free modification! 

Mitch

What is the condition of the wheels? Zinc pest is very common with these. Hennings has replacements or you can have them do the job. Both of my number 8s have  needed wheels.

Chris

LVHR

Engine was restored a few years back, wheels look great. It was first thing I checked

Running around the tree a bit last night

The bad light turned out to be a bad ground. The lamp housing was not making contact. I scrapped some paint off both, and it's working now

That's a nice looking #8!  Way better than my junker that has done Christmas duties for FY2021-2022.  It is a great runner though.  No reverse unit which is perfect for running around a tree.

This year, the train will be different and is not relevant to this post.

That is a great #8. And a wonderful Christmas scene as well.