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 (DIR) Return to: Lionel Maintenance & Repair
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       #Post#: 2708--------------------------------------------------
       Lionel 239
       By: FlyersHockey Date: January 6, 2021, 2:58 pm
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       I'll start by saying I am completely clueless to most of this.
       I've had several model trains as a kid and have one HO now that
       really only sees daylight around Christmas.  I love the hobby
       just don't have much time.  Anyway to my question.
       My dad had a Lionel 239 set.  I'll include pictures.  I'm 36 and
       it has never run in my lifetime.  His best guess is that the
       last time it ran was the early 70s.  I had it repaired at
       Draude's Derailment in Lebanon, PA.
       I can't seem to get it running.  The original power pack or
       whatever it's called doesn't work.  I'm using one of two that
       powered a Disney Lionel set from the early 90s.  It seems like
       it wants to go but just not getting enough power.  The track
       isn't great, but the other ones I have run ok on it.  I'm not
       sure if the weight of the metal locomotive is weighing it down.
       I also noticed the old/original power pack says AC only whereas
       the one from the 90s has AC and DC terminals.  The locomotive
       itself doesn't say anything.  I'll include a picture.  I know
       it's not the matching tender.
       It's almost like I need more power to get it going.
       #Post#: 2709--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Lionel 239
       By: FlyersHockey Date: January 6, 2021, 2:59 pm
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       Pictures
       #Post#: 2710--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Lionel 239
       By: FlyersHockey Date: January 6, 2021, 3:01 pm
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       It won't let me add pictures in guessing there is a minimum post
       requirement?
       #Post#: 2711--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Lionel 239
       By: TrainLarry Date: January 6, 2021, 4:22 pm
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       The 239 is a 'Scout' engine and was made with a unique
       Bakelite-bodied motor with a unique reversing system. They were
       low-end entry-level locomotives that were known to run
       erratically. They were not really made to be serviced, although
       they could be.
 (HTM) https://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_239_loco.htm
       The original transformer may have been a 1073 which, at 60
       watts, should get the loco to run.
 (HTM) https://www.tandem-associates.com/lionel/lionel_trains_1073_transformer.htm
       Use the AC terminals on the 4060 transformer you have.
       Larry
       #Post#: 2713--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Lionel 239
       By: FlyersHockey Date: January 6, 2021, 10:43 pm
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       Thanks for the help.  After reading I never realized it was a
       cheaper model.  I thought because it was metal that it was a
       better quality.  I tried just the AC terminals.  It still seems
       like it wants to go but doesn't.  I'm wondering if the track is
       the issue.
       #Post#: 2714--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Lionel 239
       By: TrainLarry Date: January 6, 2021, 11:29 pm
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       Because of the loco's motor design, all the wheels and the track
       have to be very clean. Use Naphtha on a rag to clean everything
       as best you can and use a ScotchBrite pad to shine the wheels
       and track. Go over everything again with the Naphtha to clean
       off any residue.
       Bypass the track. Hold the loco in one hand right side up and
       connect one wire from the transformer to a roller pickup. Turn
       on the power and touch the other transformer wire to one of the
       drive wheels. The loco should run. If not, move the reverse
       lever on top and try again. If the loco does not run, chances
       are the motor is in need of servicing. Not a fun project.
       The attached service manual gives you a parts view of these
       unique motors. The wheels on one side need to be pulled off, and
       there are two metal clips on either end that hold the motor case
       halves together. Inside the motor is a handful of never seen
       before parts that need to go together precisely in the right
       order without flying out. You need tons of patience and 4 hands
       to reassemble the motor and get it to work.
       I have repaired a number of these locos, and I cringe just
       remembering the multiple times it took to take apart and
       reassemble the motor until it ran.
       If you still feel up to it, go at it. You have been warned.
       Larry
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