Well, I have an old 239E Lionel engine I use under the tree every Christmas and I think this will be the last year for the old girl unless I can get it worked over. I’m an HO guy so my information on Lionel repairs is zero!
Does anyone know of a reliable shop that can rebuild a 1937 (?) Lionel engine and do it right?
Thanks,
Roger Huber
First off I can not find a 239E engine for prewar, ( 1901 - 1942) could it be a 238E? o5 a 259E ? the only 239 I can find is postwar (1945 - 1969) and that one is a scout motor. makes a better paper wait ( not worth fixing) You would spend more if you can find someone than it’s worth. A picture would help a lot.
Best thing to do might be to start locally. Google “find a hobby shop” and several sites should come up. I looked at one called “Hobby Shops find Near Me” and selected Arkansas. Looks like there’s one in Fayetteville which is 29 miles from where you live in Huntsville.
18th Street Train Shop
2105 W. 18th St. 479-521-2091
There’s other places listed within 75 miles of Huntsville but this is the only one with specifically “trains” in the name. If they don’t repair Lionels maybe they know someone who does.
Yep…you’re right…it’s a 259E. I can’t seem to attach any photos to the MR site no matter how much I try. I have some good shots of the engine I could send to your email if that’s possible.
Roger
to post pics you need a host site like photobucket.com
What is wrong with your engine?
it may just need to be cleaned and relubed
Well a search on google or bing bring up nothing close. There are no hobby shops in Huntsville and nearby Fayetteville. Hobby Lobby, although a nice place to buy glue, isn’t a hobby shop.
The closest HS would be in Branson, MO and it’s definitely NOT what I need to fully restore an antique Lionel train.
I was hoping to get a lead on a for real Lionel shop that can handle my needs.
Thanks,
Roger
The engine is very old and has tons of miles on it. The gears are sloppy, the brushes are getting pretty worn and it’s just time for some serious maintenance. Last year I lubed and cleaned everything I could. I have no parts. I don’t have a clue where to get any parts. I don’t have any idea if or where a qualified shop might be for this old engine.
I also don’t know how to do photos on to MR. They don’t make it easy as far as I’m concerned. I don’t have any trouble sending/loading/sharing pictures anywhere but MR.
Roger
(479) 521-2091
polyt@dicksonstreet.com
Yep, I’ve heard of that one. It’s actually been open once in 6 or 7 attempts. It isn’t very impressive, it’s sort of dirty, run down, barely has enough light to see what he’s got and the guy there isn’t too friendly. It certainly doesn’t appear to be a place someone would want to take a childhood treasure to for anything.
Are there any long time repair shops around that you would trust with your trains or recommend?
Roger
Nothing special or childhood treasure about a 259E. There are parts around and are readily available at a low cost if you look, I just gave one away to a
KRM,
Well, if the engine was given to you by your Grandfather as a Christmas present in 1955 and it has been used around the tree every year since then I have to say that is IS SPECIAL and A TREASURE. Maybe not to you but isn’t that what makes our old trains desirable and precious to us?
If the parts are easy to find and all that I’m glad. NOW…where do I find them? That was my basic question. If you have another worthless 259E around you want to give away I’d be glad to send you my address.
Thanks (?),
Roger
Good evening all,
Oldline1, I understand your pain. There was a good place that was in Indianapolis, but the store closed and I do not know where the repair person went. I also understand the sentimental value in wanting to get it fixed. I had an old Marx set that needed some work. I spent far more than it is worth to get it running and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I hope you find some place soon. I hope everyone has a good day.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
Do a search on Google using ‘Lionel parts’ That will bring up a bunch of possibilities for the parts you would need to refurbish your locomotive. I’ve had good luck with The Train Tender and Olsen Toys. But there are many, many others I out there that I have not tried that would probably be good sources as well.
Good luck and welcome to the forum. There are a bunch of good guys here. Chances are there is somebody on the forum that has already done what you want to do, so just keep asking questions.
Jeff Kane at The Train Tender is great for parts.
Olsen’s have a great library, but they are a small family business so they aren’t the quickest sometimes.
http://www.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=778
Dr Tinker sells parts and works on trains. Used to work for Lionel and write a column for O Gauge RR
I would trust him with my trains.
Hennings has parts, and also does very nice work, I would also trust them with my trians.
http://www.henningstrains.com/
And I second being willing to take any beat up old trains…[swg]
Sent you a email with a repair Guy I have used before. I do not post name/phone number/ address on the web when it’s his home info
Even though I am on the west coast my “repair Person/shop” is :
Chuck Sartor
Denver, Co. 80221
303-638-8357
contactus@only3rail.com
Roger I understand what your saying just that at some point you got to decide if it is worth it. My first Lionel 202, the only thing left of it is the shell & frame. [(-D]
Watch e-bay for parts or motors you could swap into it as well as all of the other places stated here.
You could always look on ebay. You will find some who think what they have is worth it’s weight in gold but here is one with like 8 hours left going for like $29 + $8 shipping
Olsen’s also has diagrams of many Lionel items. Here are 2 concerning the 259E: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=778 that’s the loco diagrams and here are the motor diagrams: http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=817. If Olsen’s doesn’t have the parts at least you’ll know what you’re looking for. Henning’s and Trainz are the other 2 parts dealers I recommend as well.
Don’t forget that the E-Unit also has parts that need cleaning from time to time.
Penny Trains,
Thanks for those links. Should prove helpful!
Many thanks to those who offered good advice.
Roger