Lionel 2343 F-3 Santa FE porthole lenses

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hi everyone. I just joined this group to gain help in resurrecting my childhood post-war Lionel trains. I’m looking for a few (5) original porthole lenses for my 2343 F-3 Santa Fe A & B units. Originality is important to me, so the later snap-in & fisheye lenses won’t do. Can anyone help?

I’ll be asking for maintenance tips and diagnostic help as I attempt to get my trains and accessories in motion once again.

Many thanks,

Dick

2

Originality is important to me, so the later snap-in & fisheye lenses won’t do. Can anyone help?

So what is it you want?

3

You must be talking about the earlier 1950-51 glue-in type of portholes lens (they look like they have more surface area to them). Starting in 1952 is when they used the snap-in “fish eye” ones, though I never heard anyone call them that before.

My suggesstion would be eBay. I just purchased a set of 4 of the original porthole lens that your looking for for $30 shipped to my door.

These usually fell out easily because of the glue used. Good luck in your quest.

Mr. Shizney.

4

I recently did some cosmetic work on a set of 2344 F3s for my wife’s cousin. His needed portholes and he wanted glue-in originals, not the snap-ins that were put in later units. But those are somewhat hard to come by and expensive. $30 shipped to your door, LS1Heli?!! I got some repro snap in portholes for something like 25 cents each and sawed off the snap-in part on the back with a razor saw. Then I sanded off the remainder until the fisheye effect was gone. I “aged” them with some Dr. Martin’s yellow dye mixed with Future floor polish. You could also try using food coloring or even the yellow transparent paint model car builders use for marker lights. The finished portholes look just like the originals. He was thrilled.

Jim

5

Several of you understood that I’m looking for the original glue-in type lenses. I’ve seen a set go on Ebay; real pricey; but hoped that price was a fluke & someone out there has some at a reasonable price. Interesting idea to cut off the fisheye protrusions & remove their base. I’m surprised you found the lens material to be tintable to achieve the aged, yellowing look. Thanks for the comments/suggestions to date. Please keep them coming.

Dick

6

Sorry the ones I purchased were the ORIGINAL push in ones. I have a 1952 2343 so they will fit right in…literally…lol.

7

Jim,

Thanks for that tip! Where can I get that dye? Shoot me an email when you get a chance.

8

Hi Jim,

Dr. Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolour Dye can be found in bigger art supply stores, and on the web at various sites. Do a web search with the highlighted name in this message. I ended up using a mix of yellow and burned umber (brown).

I’m currently working on an aluminum 2531 observation car. After seeing your 2500 series cars, I had to get some. Mine was dull, dirty, and came with lots of dings and scratches, which I am sanding and polishing out slowly but surely. The car looks like chrome now. I’m using Mother’s polish.

I’ll send you a PM in a bit. I don’t use email at home.

Jim

9

Jim,

Make sure you clean the wheels and axles thoroughly. If they are dirty, these cars roll like bricks. To clean the contact assemblies on the bottom of the car, try a Dremel with a felt wheel. Really makes them shine.