Skip to main content

Picked up my Menards Mystery Box yesterday.  Opened it and the first item was a Menards Power & Light building, a bit scuffed up but otherwise complete and working.  Already have one but may kit bash this one, removing the gen/diesel set to become a flat car load.  The next item was a beige, non-descript, die cast passenger car

Menards Power & Light 279-3051A

The surprise was finding a John Deere RS-3 Train set.  Other than no FasTrack or power pack the rest of the set was in the box which included:

  John Deere RS-3 Train Set

  • LionChief RS-3 Diesel locomotive
  • Flatcar with two removable John Deere tractors
  • John Deere Boxcar
  • Square window caboose, illuminated
  • LionChief remote for locomotive

The rolling stock looks perfect.  Now the problem, the locomotive has a broken strut assembly for the front motor truck.  The ideal fix would be to replace the assembly.  It's only a $9 item, but unfortunately its not available from Lionel.  I might attempt a repair of the strut, but don't know how well it can be epoxied or plasticweld.

side frame study assy RS-3

Another option is replace the entire front motor truck.  A $50 item, but it appears readily available.

MTR Track Complete RS-3 front

I never anticipated acquiring this type of item.  I am in the midst of restoring what was originally a 10'X9' Super O layout that my father built for me back in 1959.  It has been stored away since 1965, but it was packed well and is in surprising good condition.  Aside from a recently acquired K-Line Plymouth Switcher, my newest motive power is over 50 years old, of course all conventional power/control.

I suppose this train could be set up as a holiday display, but other than that I don't have a good plan on what else to do with it.  Any thoughts would be welcomed.

Attachments

Images (4)
  • Menards Power & Light 279-3051A
  • John Deere RS-3 Train Set
  • side frame stud assy RS-3: R-3 side frame stud assy
  • MTR Track Complete: RS-3 Front MTR Track Complete
Last edited by J Hartley CAE
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×