I’m looking for a good source of the type of tape Lionel used in the late prewar, early post war period on set boxes and cardboard engine boxes usually on the seam of the box. Looks as though it is weaved cloth of some kind. Anyone know where you can buy this type of tape?
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Perhaps you are thinking of the reinforced paper tape Lionel used. Here is a link to Office Depot for such a product. I have seen it advertised for $8.99 on the internet.
https://www.officedepot.com/a/...t-Gummed-Paper-Tape/
swede
I actually picked that up . Looks later then the tape I’m looking for. Can be found on prewar boxes like a 115 station box, corner of set boxes, more of a whiteish color then the brown
It may have faded over the years, but that's the stuff they used.
Maybe look for friction tape......it kinda looks like that.
You’re not going to find it around. It was the 1950’s version of reinforced shipping tape. I believe it was treated cotton, similar to canvas. By the 1960’s, Fiberglas reinforced tape became available and it was stronger and cheaper.
I was given a bunch of trains from someone who was cleaning out their storage area in preparation for some home improvements.
Among those items is a Postwar Lionel 182 crane. It needs major cleaning, but the mechanism still has life, and other than a missing smokestack, is complete.
However, the cloth jacket on the magnet wire is severed in the middle.
Does anybody know of a source for a new section of jacket material, or perhaps a wire/jacket assembly. I checked EBay listings in general, and specifically checked the fellow from whom I purchase American Flyer Loco to Tender cord sets, but no dice.
Wonder if a fabric store might have some cloth stuff that dress makers iron on to seams??
Perhaps something like this would work. If the gummed adhesive doesn’t hold brush on with a glue diluted to your liking.
Ted, sounds like a craft store or a picture frame store.
RickM46 posted:Ted, sounds like a craft store or a picture frame store.
Just plugged linen tape in the search box... 
How about this acid free linen cloth tape, used for book repair and other purposes.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wo...2122&cat=1,43293
Regards, Allan
Among those items is a Postwar Lionel 182 crane.
However, the cloth jacket on the magnet wire is severed in the middle.
Does anybody know of a source for a new section of jacket material, or perhaps a wire/jacket assembly.
I would check for cloth-wrapped automotive wire, available from restoration supply outfits. I've seen sizes down to 20 gauge.
I think we are on to something, with the help of your latest suggestions I did a search and found this tape used to hinge books.
I can tell you without a doubt that it is not made. I used to want to repair my boxes with the cloth tape on my extensive pre war collection and it just is not out there. I ended up using the re-enforced tan paper tape.
Tin
The closest you will get these days is a Woven andor Texturized Packing tape. It is Fiberglass, but has the look.
For the person who asked about the cloth wire coating, look for wiring harness cloth tape. Amazon shows a ton.
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