My All Postwar Lionel Layout “Updated 4/7/24”

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

Howdy Folks, Good Morning!

Last Saturday night at 1am (Sunday morning) I arrived back home from a 4,300+ mile round trip to purchase a Postwar Lionel Collection people could only dream of. Y’all make sum popcorn & grab your favorite beverage & get ready for The Show!
Pics n’ Clips to follow…

Just scrolled through the collection Eli.

Amazing.......

Bob

@Jerry Williams: Thanks for your compliment, Sir!  

@Richizzle07: It’ll be as soon as I can build a Train Room large enough to fit ALL Y’all in. Might be awhile, but we’ll make sum plans when it happens! 😜  
And Thank You, Rich!!

@RSJB18: Glad you enjoyed it Bob,
Thank You!!

Eli, Fantastic haul, great photos, thank you for taking the time to present the photos as you did, that took time and effort.  And the empty storage unit photo "the End" was perfect.  Keep em' the rails!  Looking forward to seeing what you are able to do with that haul!

Eli, You have a amazing post war collection of Lionel trains. Thank you for sharing that with us. I never owned any Lionel postwar trains.

@Chuck242: Chuck, Thank You Sir, for taking Your time to view what I share/d! I very much enjoy being part of this Amazing Group of Folks & a very minute part of this Wonderful Organization. I share these things purely for Everyone’s enjoyment, as We All share in this wonderful hobby Together.
As for plans for things of this particular collection, I have additional space waiting to be remodeled, adjacent to the train room. The current layout is 8’x10’ 6 1/2”. When “done” (😆), it’ll be inter connected & have over the square footage I’m currently at. This should be lots of room to house some of these wonderful accessories. Till then, I’ll be cleaning up rolling stock & engines & running’em on my present rails. Thanks again for your compliment, Sir!!

@jim sutter: I’d like to think I had a nice collection prior to this purchase (which you may be familiar with). Though, after this acquisition, I am still in Amazement… & will be for quite sometime. Appreciate your compliment Jim, glad you enjoyed the show, Thank You so much!!

Here’s My Cherished Gift,
Lionel’s 2354 NYC ABA F3’s on the rails of the outer loop & in the light of the train room. I’d share the passenger cars lashed up along w/ it, but the layout is still a wreck.
Can’t wait to run these Beauties!!

Hi Eli,  Congrats on adding the collection!  Really enjoyed seeing your haul.  I share your enjoyment of repairing and fixing vintage equipment. Please keep us posted.  Best, Dave 

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

Some not so small motorized units,  
that Pack a Punch 🚀💥
These two engines are in beautiful condition, considering their age & actual run/ playtime.

Original plastic control panel inserts and no broken steps! Almost every one I've looked to acquire, in addition to my childhood set, had those steps (particularly the front ones) broken off years ago.  These look in great shape. What a sweet haul!

@Former Member: Thanks so much Dave, glad you’ve enjoyed the show!

@Strap Hanger: Aren’t those two just great pieces! I sure wish they had dual couplers so I could lash’em together for that extra “Fire Power” (firing the same direction). Guess if one unit ended up being slower than another I could always put it at the front of the line. Need to get sum repro missile stock, so I can actually blow up some things soon. 🚀💥 🛤
And, Thank You Sir!

Alright Folks, I have stitched together each & every single pic n’ clip All in one 30+ minute long video~ Showcasing this Amazing Collection in its Entirety...

Hope Everyone enjoys The Show!!!
✨🎥 🎞✨

(And if you happen to not read the description on there: My sincere apologies for the corny music!)

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

Alright Folks, I have stitched together each & every single pic n’ clip All in one 30+ minute long video~ Showcasing this Amazing Collection in its Entirety...

Hope Everyone enjoys The Show!!!
✨🎥 🎞✨

(And if you happen to not read the description on there: My sincere apologies for the corny music!)

I just finished watching this outstanding video.  You don't often see someone who robbed the entire contents of a a train store post a video of his haul for law enforcement.  Very conscientious, LOL!

What an amazing find to add to your already impressive collection!  I noticed in one of your photos what appears to be a master switch and light for your empire.  Can you elaborate on its components.  I have been wanted to create something similar for my layout.

@Strap Hanger: So glad you liked the video! It is a bit long, but by golly there’s sum wonderful things to be seen in there.
And, if’n “They” wanna come get me, they know where to find me… 🚓   😜

@BatTrain: Of course Sir! See attached pics for your info as requested. Any other ?’s, please feel free to ask. They have other color lens, but I opted for the green to match the transformers. 🤓
Also, very much appreciate your compliment, Thank You Sir!!

Came to our Local Train Show this morning not long after the doors opened. Had a planned meeting already to meet up for our first time w/ a fellow Postwar Lionel Enthusiast that recently moved to town. Y’all meet my new friend John!
Even happened to find a few things to bring home. Now the task will be to figure out where to put them…

(had the hat already n’ wore it Proudly, w/ a new Lionel Pin from latest collection. 🚂🦁💨)

edit*: btw for those interested, that’s the decal nose, not the paint.

I’d been wanting to share my personal Train Library w/ Y’all for quite sometime now. And after sharing the many books that came along w/ the new collection, I’ve finally dug them out to share w/ you.
Whether it’s just a simple love for this hobby we all share, or you’re into rehabilitation of some of these timeless pieces, imo having books pertaining knowledge of such is of great importance.

Flint Rock valley just wanna say Seriously cool! Enjoyed the movie and posts. The condition of “the haul” was some of the best I have seen! Awesome, worth traveling for!
It’s kind the stuff dreams are made of!

thanks for sharing

@Leroof posted:

Flint Rock valley just wanna say Seriously cool! Enjoyed the movie and posts. The condition of “the haul” was some of the best I have seen! Awesome, worth traveling for!
It’s kind the stuff dreams are made of!

thanks for sharing

Appreciate your compliment Leroof, Thanks so much!

While as to be respective & not confusing of the ^above^ massive collection, here’s a few other things new round here. On the afternoon of August 12th I received all this from my friend up in MI. These along w/ other things posted prior such as the NYC ESE Loco & Tender, all the Auto Loaders, & a plethora of other engines n’ rolling stock came from this same person. Hard to believe, but Yes, there is indeed more on the way from them. Some of the units are NIB, while other might’ve been ran once in their life, if that. Was/ am super excited to add these 2343 AA’s to my original ABA set, making for a Stunning AABAA Lash Up. Of which I’ve already gone through the powered unit & it’s running perfectly on the rails. I’ll share its running on a post here below.
If you’d prefer to view this collection in video format, I’ve included a clip for your viewing pleasure at the end.

Hope Everyone enjoys…

Have a Wonderful Day!!

“And Houston,  
I mean New York:  
We are a Go!!”

This powered unit is fresh on the rails from the Service Yard. (further description on clip…)

Cheers, Y’all!

Oh, Oops… this’un was supposed to follow the small collection just above. In my excitement of getting the 2354P out of the Service Yard, I forgot to share the one that rolled out prior.
Get a load of this Lash Up!!
(more details in description.)

Hope Y’all enjoy the clips… & are having a Wonderful Weekend!

And…    
We now have power back to the Outer Loop.
That’s what I’m talking bout!!

An Entire New Regime of Power is about to Reign Down Terror from FRV...

Let The Siege Begin!!!

(I know, it’s not Postwar Lionel, as my thread states. Which I’ve shared plenty of other on here already. It’s my layout, it’s my trains, & all these will fit in absolutely perfect w/ the rest of my Space/ Military items. And most of All, I love being able to share my love of trains w/ Everyone here! Whether You’re just here to look, share communication together, or someone needing some help w/ something err other. I am appreciative of it All!! And I Thank Each of You for taking your time to visit FVR!)    
~Eli

“We have Your Town Surrounded…  
Resistance is Futile!!!”

One of those trucks stopped by, again…

And as of moments ago, I am now The Proud Owner of this Fine Passenger Car. Been looking for this one, & now I have an Absolutely Complete New York Central Empire State Express Set, including its PT Tender.

Whooo Whoooo!!
Chooo Choooo!!!
🚂💕💨💕💨💕💨

For pics of the rest of this beautiful set, see links of prior posts below photos. ⬇️

(I’d made a posting inquiring about if anyone had these cars available for purchase. Might any of you kind folk tell me how to delete it? I’ve tried to figure it out, but to no avail. Be great to have some assistance w/ this, Thanks!)

~Eli

Here are the links to the rest of this Beautiful Set:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...1#162757710133136431

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...7#163320812262046047

I have kept from boring Y’all w/ the goings on over yonder...
For those that do show interest, here’s the latest update from The Working Railroad of Flint Rock Valley.

Oops, forgot to add these in there…

Of course I didn’t use the Torch! 😆

A few pics of a fresh cut curved section w/ a cutoff wheel on a grinder. Left rail has been filed & de-burred.

Here’s where that curved track section will live, during my lifetime.

I like your style Eli!  Just line them all up at once for the repair/clean up.  I think its a lot more efficient that way.  Always enjoy your posts.  Best, dave

tyle Eli!

No one really ever shares the underside of their Layout & their Wiring…

I am Proud to say/ show/ n’ share that mine is fairly organized & strapped down. During the time I have taken working under here it has been a priority from day one that it’s keep neat & clean (as is possible for layout wiring). I plan on labeling it all, but that’s a job for another day.

Sunday was a Big Success!
All twelve switch wires have been ran to the Control Panel. The two UCS sections have been wired & ran to the backside of the control/ display cabinet. And as much wire as I had on hand was able to run four of the some odd block powered sections wire to behind the cabinet. All wires are labeled accordingly. Next up is to grab a few more rolls of wire so I can finish up the track/s power. Things are coming along great round here.

The Iron is Hot!  

Got the rest of the track soldered up yesterday.

Got it all up & running last night...
Next up is to wire the Toggles, wire the Accessories, & wiring the Illuminated On/Off Block Powered Toggles per Sidings.
Pretty Sweet!!

Today’s pics for Your Enjoyment!

Little did I know that later in life I’d own not one but Two of the Engines like the one on my Moving Picture...
I sure love this thing!

I’d love to hear what y’all think about the newly built track section of FRV… ??? 🤔

That layout is neat!  I really like all the accessories you have.  It reminds me of what my dream layout would have looked like when I was a kid if my parents were rich.  It will be great to see everything up and running when everything gets wired.

-Greg

Your layout is absolutely spectacular, top to bottom (underside). This is how I do O gauge.   Keep up the good work.

Thanks for sharing!

Howdy Folks!
Here’s the latest update from FRV…

(for more info see clips description)

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

The Iron is Hot!  

Got the rest of the track soldered up yesterday.

Eli, love seeing your Postwar 022 switches. That's what I opted for on my switching layout, and those switches on my layout have been reliable, repairable, affordable and, IMO, look great. Arnold

A Sneak Preview of the latest work @ FRV…

All Toggles are Lit,    
All Switches are Fully Functional,    
AND, now this front half of the newly laid track has operational Block Signals per said Switch.

Like an Intricate Puzzle ~
All the Pieces are coming Together!

Fresh off the rails from
the Service Yard of FRV…

We’ve got an Outstanding Crew at the Service Yard of FRV…
Their turnaround time for things that roll through their yard is amazing!

Step by Step Process on this fun addition to any layout.

(One down, Two to go…)

I am done working on this for the moment. Still a couple things to get labeled, like the new UCS controls & three of the center throws. Other than that… things are looking good!

For lots more from FRV: follow along on my fb page, ig, or on the tube.

Thanks for Watching!
And Happy Railroading, Y'all!!!

FRV’s New Outer Loop Rail System

Due to lack of phone storage I am unable to put these together at the moment, so if’n ya want the Full Effect watch’em BOTH…

Hope Y’all Enjoy!

# 1 of 2

# 2 of 2

(I am going to try to upload the GoPro clip raw on the next post. Not sure if it’ll be viewable in the 360 format… we’ll see.)

I don’t think uploading this 360 view clip is viewable in the 360 format available on this page. Soooo… here’s a link to the post of it on my fb page- which it IS viewable in 360 Mode.
***Most likely only viewable in 360 Mode if viewed via your mobile device.***

Hope Y’all Enjoy!

~Eli

https://fb.watch/g5zo67otlJ/

Apparently, the link takes you to the web browser fb. Of which the clip is not viewable in 360 Mode. So on that note, you can check it out on your fb app on your mobile device by either pasting the link into the search bar, & or by typing in “Outer Loop Rail System” (# 2 of 2).
Or simply go to my fb page & it’s currently the latest post.

Thanks for Watching, Y’all!

In video #1 from 10/09/2022, in the upper right you have a rotary beacon that appears to rotate at a constant speed for the entire video.  What is your secret?  I have one that pretty much does what it wants to (if it wants to).  I have tried different voltages, manipulating the feelers, graphite dry lubricant, yet it always seems to get stuck.  Thanks ! Cool layout by the way.

@BatTrain posted:

In video #1 from 10/09/2022, in the upper right you have a rotary beacon that appears to rotate at a constant speed for the entire video.

It's a 494, as opposed to the mode commonly found 394. Instead of the 394 dimpled bulb and hood with a pin, the 494 uses the same rotating base as the 3520 Rotating Searchlight Car and same same type of "Vibrotor" as that car. Earlier in the video when it's stationary you can see the slots on the rotating base. But I didn't need to see it really, you said it worked, so it had to be a 494.  ; )

Bill

@BatTrain: Yes, as Bill has stated it is 494 vibrator coil activated Beacon. Which replaced the 394 in 1954.
This particular item came along w/ “the large collection”, & is untouched by me (& just to mention: the vast majority of said collection was/ is in Very Good, to Excellent, to Like New condition. So having said that, it’s of no surprise that this beacon works like new.).
Now, for the potential tweaking of your beacon (assuming it is a 494): I have mine connected to dial power. I haven’t looked where I last set it at, but if I were to guess the voltage would be set around 10-12v, maybe even lower. If hooking yours up to dial power doesn’t help subside it’s stubbornness, then you may want to consider replacing it’s rubber fingered washer/ driving washer & adhesive washer. And if that doesn’t whip it into shape, the vibrator coil may indeed be faulty & need replacement as well.
One more thing to check, is that your center post base & ground terminal clips are secure, then perhaps the wiring to the coil itself.
Hope this helps you out, Sir.

And, Thanks so much for your compliment!!

This Herd of Engines & Cars heard about the new Rail System @ FRV & all came rolling down together from Michigan. They’ll no longer have to spend any more cold winter seasons up yonder, & live out their days comfortably here in The Beautiful Hill Country of Central Texas.

I’d already had the powered 8759 & the non powered 8758 here w/ me from the same seller. So got them out to go w/ their photo shoot.

Hope Y’all enjoy the pics!

~Eli

And of course, I had to immediately reorganize the Postwar Lionel Space/ Military Glass Display Case…  

Very nice!

-Eric Siegel

The New Rail System bout to be get’n Tamped Down round here.
Gotta prep those Tracks long before those BIG Wigs roll through in their Fancy Railcar for A thorough Inspection!

Everybody’s waiting on one last Employee before “The BIG Meeting” & Track Inspection begins…

Last Car in a series of preparations for The Grand Opening of FRV’s New Track System. Y’all come on down & celebrate w/ us for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

All The Gang is Here…  
Let The Grand Opening Celebration commence!!! ✂️🎗

Ribbon Cutting Party

Everyone showed up for The BIG Meeting & Grand Opening Celebration!
Shortly after the meeting All the Crew hit the rails for one last Track Inspection.
The guys in their fancy railcar gave the crew thumbs up & nods of Approval as they rolled away…

Then the Celebration began!

Hope Y’all enjoy clip!

Happy Railroading!!!

I sure do love your collection and operating layout. How many of your army cars were built by Menard's?

@jim sutter: Jim, I am not quite sure. Most are either Lionel or K-Line. I’m sure there’s a small bit of cars from Menards in the mix, but there’s also quite a few custom cars too.  
And Thank You very much for your compliment, Sir!

I Custom Designed n’ Built this Layout to be Zero Tolerance across it’s Entirety.
As w/ the standards of the original layout, the same rings true w/ the New Track System.
Here’s a brief clip sharing just how closely spaced things are w/ the NYC Passenger Train rolling through the rails of Siding #7.
The FM’s blaze right between the block signals, too.

Dang Eli! Digging that siding #7!

Those F units and passenger cars just float through the gantry crane!
just killing it!
great overhead (drone!) movie making!

as always I can almost smell the Ozone!

Thanks, awesome PW power to ya.

Fully Operational American Flyer 596 Water Tank…
Since the acquisition of the large collection, this American Flyer 596 Water Tank has given the boot to the Lionel one that lived here for many years. I have stripped all the old wires out & rewired it completely. Didn’t have the actual controller for it, but the one I hooked up is just as appropriate.  

FRV now has plenty of water to fill all the steamers rolling through the rails.

See it in Action 🎥 at the bottom of this post ⬇️.

@Leroof: Thanks so much for your compliment, appreciate it Sir!

Howdy Folks…
Welcome to The Working Railroad of Flint Rock Valley!

- 27 O22 Switches

- 15 Outer Loop Switch Block Powered Sections

- 5 Inner Loop Switch Block Powered Sections

- 11 Trains across the Layout

- 4 Open Sidings

- 1 Wye

- 1 Reverse Loop

It’s like a Chess Game:
You have to move something to make things happen!

Time to Play ~ it’s Your Move!

Awesome layout!

@steam: Thanks so much for your compliment, Steam!

Alright Everyone,
this Postwar Lionel stuff is
Serious Business…
Y’all All need to really
Quit Horsing Around!!!

The Service Yard of FRV
has just rolled out a few FM’s
like they’re Factory Fresh.

Picto Series of stripping down Lionel’s Postwar 6425 3-Dome Gulf Tanker from 1956 for a deep cleaning.
Notice the bent handrail & the rusty wheel.
All tools used to perform this project are as shown, minus dawn dish soap, a paint brush & a different toothbrush & warm water, & my favorite little mini vise used to straighten out the handrail (& of course oil at the very end for lubricant).  
All I used to clean the handrail was the scotchbrite pad. Also, only one ladder needs to be removed for complete disassembly  

Now that there’s Fresh Oil pumping out deep from the bellows of FRV, we’ve gotta have somewhere to put it for transport. This is the first tanker car of my original set of ten.

One down… Nine to go!
(& that’s not including the 30+ I acquired all together a few months ago. lololol)

Details on the Detailing of the Ninth n’ Tenth Tanker Car.

These Ten Tanker Cars have waited patiently well over a decade for their opportunity to Ride the Rails of FRV.
As w/ any engine/ rolling stock/ etc, not a single thing hits the track till they’ve been thoroughly gone through & made as new as possible.
It’s a lovely site to see the crud knocked off the wheels & everything dust free gliding down the tracks. It’s been a long time I’ve waited to tackle this project, & couldn’t be happier seeing them finally on the layout.

Hope Everyone enjoys the clip,
& Thanks for Watching!

On to the next project…

Flint Rock V, You've really done some excellent work and I appreciate the carefully laid out restoration process, the neatness and organization.  Question is what did you do with the very yellowed decals, leave them as they were, or remove and replace.  Thank you for the time and effort to provide this to us.  chuck

@Chuck242: First off, Thank You so much for your kind words & compliment! Much appreciated, Sir!
As for the tank car body, I use heavy dawn dish soap & water (this batch was cold, but most of the time it is warm, too). Using a soft paintbrush to apply the soapy liquid. Being these decals are so fragile, I very lightly brush in straight lines along any decals surface, making absolutely sure not to scratch it or remove any of its surface. I use a toothbrush in other areas for heavier buildup. I do this fairly quickly, as to not let the liquid soak into the decals. When done I give it a thorough rinse w/ some warm (not ever scalding hot) water. Either let stand dry, place in front of fan, & or use compressed air (very carefully, especially around decals) to dry things completely.
Some of these decals are what makes or breaks the piece, so it’d be a crying shame to damage one that’s held up over the many years of its life. Any damage seen here was as is in my possession, prior to their cleaning.
Thanks for your inquiry, & let me know if you have any more questions, Sir.

~Eli

This Latest Project of FRV has been on the books for quite awhile now,
& it’s finally coming to fruition…

Completely cleaned the entire station inside & out, & polished it.  
Next up is to fashion a 1 - 3 tube for All Three Smoke Stacks to Chuff.
🏭💨🏭💨🏭💨

FUN Stuff!!!

Fabricating the 1-3 Smoke Stack w/ parts on hand in my shop. Need to purchase a four way + copper fitting (shown mocked up of my homemade one w/ the blue tape covering the joint).
The Smoke out of All Three Stacks is being driven w/ smoke fluid by an All Original untouched/ as received 2025 Locomotive w/ Aluminum Stack w/ Rubber Stamped “2025” on the Boiler Front Keystone… & OH, MY, Goodness does this thing Chuff like Ten Men in a Cigar Room!!!

What a Fun Project!

Fun!

Some Before n’ After pics prior to reassembly of Lionel’s Postwar Early 2025 Steam Locomotive.

Ahh…  
The sounds of Sweet Success!
🚂💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨

Progression of Lionel’s Prewar 840 Power Station w/ Smoking Stacks.

Did you soak the 2025 in Evapo rust or something else?

@Mike M: Hi Mike. Thanks for your inquiry!
I use mineral spirits for all things not requiring soap n’ water. You can see all the cleaning tools I uses in some prior posts, or my entire process on some of my clips here or on the tube.

Update of Lionel’s Prewar Smoking 840 Power Station:

In this clip I’ve got the baffle system worked out from 1 - 3 Stacks to my liking.

I always enjoy seeing the progression of a Project, & I hope Y’all do too…  
soooo, I present You This:  
The base for the 2025 in it’s rough form, which shall soon live inside the Power Station (in the above clip, which is inside running).

Love this project--and the outside the box thinking to provide the smoke.

I had a design in mind for the Custom Roller Base that I think y’all will quite enjoy...
And when I say Custom, I mean it in every sense of the word.
I Present to You:
My Rough Draft of the Custom Roller Base the 2025’s Drive Wheels will sit upon. I’m using staple end truck axles w/ the wheels flipped around so their flanges hug the outside of the drive wheels. Mind you, this is merely a mock-up of the prospective outcome. It’s such a tight fit, that the flanges of the roller wheels don’t even hit the side rods.
Next is to fashion the frames to hold the roller wheels, then attach them to the base.

What’s that you say: You’ve never seen a Roller Base using old Lionel Wheels.. well You have now!

Pic of Roller Base jig below ⬇️.

Thanks for Looking!!

Next Locomotive & Tender to roll into the Service Yard here @ FRV:
Lionel’s early edition 726 along w/ it’s 2426W Tender. This set came in the shape as shown & received. It hasn’t been touched & or ever ran since in my possession. It’s been waiting patiently for it’s turn on the rails.
The loco is missing one front left marker jewel, one left rear side rod screw, & it’s whistle.
The Tender has a healthy chunk taken out of the front left of the coal load. Have yet to disassemble to see if by chance the missing piece is inside, but I doubt it. It is also missing it’s entire front bottom truck assembly, all it’s wheels, & it’s pickup roller. Though in the mass amount of parts on hand, I happen to find all the right things to make it whole again.
Will most likely end up having to purchase a new side rod screw & whistle. I may look into replacing the marker jewel at some point, but fixing that is low on the list.

This should clean up fairly well & be a great runner. Look forward to sharing it w/ everyone when done.

Hope All Y’all have a Wonderful Weekend!

~Eli

Since I’m waiting for a few parts on the rebuild of the 726, here’s an update on the parts breakdown, cleaned shells, & now newly refurbished 2426W Tender. To roll this around a bit I borrowed my trusty 736, a long time mainstay of the layout & one of my favs.
Only the Good Lord knows how long this thing has been dormant (especially in the dire state it was in)… but alas it shall now have an entire new life to serve out here on The Rails of FRV.

Thanks for Watching!

S’cuse me but I am already convinced 726 will be another great rehab tale!

Have to set this project aside for
a few days till my parts arrive.
Thought Y’all’d like to see the
transformation of the 726 till
it can be reassembled.

From Eli here @ FRV:
Happy Railroading Everyone!!!

What do you do when there’s old n’ crusty wires on your Locomotive,
well what else but replace’em…
🚂💨💨💨 ⚡️🧲⚡️🔄⚙️ ✔️

I just couldn’t help myself to do
a little Test Run on the
Newly Rebuilt 726.
Still needs a (custom built)
Headlight, Short Smoke Stack, & the Cross Head Flapper…

She’s a Beauty!!

@Flint Rock Valley posted:

I just couldn’t help myself to do
a little Test Run on the
Newly Rebuilt 726.
Still needs a (custom built)
Headlight, Short Smoke Stack, & the Cross Head Flapper…

She’s a Beauty!!

Nice job bring that old girl back to life. She has the larger "long stack" motor too. Supposedly that motor was used in store demonstrators only so they would not overheat after hours of running.

Rebuilding the 726 & 2426W Finale….
🍿🍻  🎥

Thanks Eli, for sharing the rebuild!  I watched the several videos that you posted and will watch the YouTube video next week when I have some free time.  I think the rebuilds of vintage equipment is the most rewarding part of our hobby. It amazing that these 50+ year old "toys" were built with such quality materials that they can be brought back to working condition with skills such as yours.  Best, Dave 

hi Eli,  wondering what you use for a cleaning solution for the metal parts.  Best, Dave

@Former Member: So glad you enjoyed the 726 & 2426W. Thank You for your compliment, Dave!
I had thought I’d shared this somewhere in the posts available, but perhaps not.
Anyhoo, as asked, here is the “solution” & a few select other things to remedy most any n’ all your cleaning n’ detailing needs. This particular picture/ tool kit was for the servicing/ detailing of O22’s, minus the screwdriver & wrenches the rest serve me well at the cleaning dish.

I document & narrate all that I share solely for your pleasure.
I don’t have much of any Train Friends where I live (one- my buddy John), so it’s enjoyable for me to reciprocate Our Passion w/ All Y’all Like Minded Train Folk.
So on that note,
Guess who’s been busy in the Service Yard turning Wrenches…
That’s right I’m back,
w/ the Latest Rebuild from FRV!

Tune in, n’ We’ll All be Whistling a Happy Tune Across Our Tracks Together.

Happy Railroading!!!

Hi Eli, thanks for posting the "solution"!  I use mineral spirits as well, but your parts look clearer than mine!  I think you soak yours longer that I do, and some of those tools in the picture look like what my dentist uses.  Lol