In 1998, I put this Lionel GP-38, which was brand new, in a storage room, close to where we were building this house. In July, 1998, there was a big flood, and my trains were under water for 5 days, at 95 degrees. I dried them out in the sun and put this engine in a box. It was in the basement, in the box, for 10 years. I found it 2 weeks ago, and started working on it.
I washed it in cold water with a little Ivory Snow. Took it completely apart and used a Dremel tool on the wheels and rollers. I cleaned the motors with LPS Electrical Cleaner and lubed it all up. Today I put it together and tried it. It runs great ( 2 can motors ), and the horn sounds nice.
I think that Chucks Model Train Restoration Company is now open for business. WOW!!! Great job!! It just shows how well built those Lionel trains are built. [tup][tup][tup][tup]
I missed it too. Happy Birthday!..you do celebrate all week anyway, don’t you? As to the restoration, that shell looked like a good weathering job! but it looks great all cleaned up too. I am glad you got it running so well.
Chuck the engine looks new again, and its no supprise it ran, its a Lionel. And I’m sure the Budd cars will too. A little more cleaning on the innards will be needed though.
Since you have passed the test, and even gone to the head of the class on that restoration. I have a couple I need to send to you for the same treatment. Now what was the address again? And, I’m not in a big hurry, 30 days will be fine.
Seriously, that is one heck of a great job! It certainly deserves a prized location on the layout !!!
Thank you, Don. Right now, I am having a special on " Cab Forward steam locomotives of the Southern Pacific livery". It will take 3 to 5 years to complete. Free shipping.
And , yes, I have a special place to run the GP-38.