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I have embarked on a project to bring back to life my first Lionel train from 1952.  The e-unit was shot, so I purchased a rebuilt unit.  The train saw many years of operation and the rollers where worn, so I purchased a new set.  I have been testing things along the way rather than waiting to the end so I can isolate issues that may arise.

I CANNOT get beyond a short that occurs in the trailing truck.  I am using the original screws with insulating washers and the insulating pad between the roller assembly and the body of the truck.

Would very much appreciate any advise on how to determine where the short is and how to correct it.

Thanks,

Tom

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@Danr posted:

Check the wire coming from the pickup rollers.  If it is original it may be cracked or it may be pinched somewhere.

Thanks Dan for your reply.  I carefully checked the (original) red wire and it is okay.  Somehow the  current is flowing from the roller assembly to the truck, either the red wire, screws that hold the roller assembly to the truck, or the alignment pins on the roller assembly to the truck.  I placed electrical tape over the alignment pin hole on the truck and still have the short.  Next, I will unsolder the red wire from the roller assembly and see if there still is a short.

I was looking forward to seeing my first train run once again over Christmas, but this short continues to elude me.

The part numbers are hard to read:

  • insulating spacer (shoulder washer) 671-112. $0.25
  • insulating washer 2333-42. $0.20

Just in case you can’t find the washer.

Unfortunately, you won’t find these in your local big box store.  These prices are from the Train Tenders website.  His minimum shipping charge is $5.75 so, it’s a good time to order a couple of other parts you might need.  

@Danr posted:

The part numbers are hard to read:

  • insulating spacer (shoulder washer) 671-112. $0.25
  • insulating washer 2333-42. $0.20

Just in case you can’t find the washer.

Unfortunately, you won’t find these in your local big box store.  These prices are from the Train Tenders website.  His minimum shipping charge is $5.75 so, it’s a good time to order a couple of other parts you might need.  

Dan - thanks for providing the part numbers and a place were they can be purchased.  BTW, I disassembled the truck from the dummy a-unit that provides power to the light and found that it does not have the shoulder washer, so I am wondering if Lionel stropped using them after 1950 and before 1952.  In any event, it seems prudent to purchase and install some.  Thanks again for your help.  Tom

Dan - I have tried three roller assemblies and each one has a short.  Two of the assemblies don't have wires.  So, it would seem that the source of the short would either be the screws coming in contact with the metal base of he roller assembly or the alignment tabs at the base of roller assembly coming into contact with the truck frame.  I applied some electrical tape to the holes in the truck frame that accept the alignment pins, so most likely the source of the short is one or both screws.  I will order the shoulder insulating washer and hopefully that will fix the problem.

And, the short goes away when I remove the roller assembly.  I will let you know when I receive and install the shoulder washers.

Thanks for your help.  Tom

@Tom Jasper posted:

Dan - I have tried three roller assemblies and each one has a short.  Two of the assemblies don't have wires.  So, it would seem that the source of the short would either be the screws coming in contact with the metal base of he roller assembly or the alignment tabs at the base of roller assembly coming into contact with the truck frame.  I applied some electrical tape to the holes in the truck frame that accept the alignment pins, so most likely the source of the short is one or both screws.  I will order the shoulder insulating washer and hopefully that will fix the problem.

And, the short goes away when I remove the roller assembly.  I will let you know when I receive and install the shoulder washers.

Thanks for your help.  Tom

Good luck, Tom, let me know if it works out.  Happy Thanksgiving!

@Danr posted:

Good luck, Tom, let me know if it works out. 

Dan,

I don't know where the time went, but I finally got back to rewiring the 2033 and the motor, which has been disassembled, cleaned and lubricated is running perfectly.  I got the replacement insulator spacers which I believe solved the short problem.

I have not been able to solder the coupler wire to the coupler assembly.  There's probably a trick to doing this.  And, I need to figure out why the horn isn't working, but in the meantime I am very pleased with having my first Lionel train running again.

Thanks again for your help in getting me to this point.

Tom Jasper

Tom: I am not trying to insult anyone but there is a coming misty often made. Reading thru this thread I notice one thing that was not mentioned and that is a right and wrong way to install the washer. I believe the shoulder should be down so the shoulder prevents the screw from touching  the truck frame and keeps the roller assembly centered on the truck with the insulator pad between the assembly n the truck. If that shoulder is crushed to deformed in any way which is common in the older PW Stuff it will prevent the insulting factor for the screw as designed.

Last edited by RJT

Tom, here's a video on how to tune up/repair Lionel horns for the 2000 FA's, which you have:  <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LsDKsNBBKQ>  One thing about horns is making sure that all moving parts, including the little plate under the relay coil moves freely. I always remove the actual horn and make sure all points are sanded a bit and cleaned to make sure the electrical contact all along the way is good. Over decades, those points either get a bit loose or buildup of some kind, even rust. All avenues between roller, relay, and horn need to be clean and solid. Once you get the horn back in place, slight twisting of the little horn screw will get you the tone you want!

Last edited by Virginian65

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