Today, I put the final clear coat on my restored Lionel 254 electric![:D]
These photos were taken with the camera’s flash on. Here are a few more without the flash:
I think it all turned out great![:D] All that’s left is to get the brass cab plate for the other side, and replace the rear light bulb with a new one that matches the front (I dropped the new one I was going to use. The old bulb in there right now is a little bigger and brighter, and doesn’t quite match). It’s a very good runner, and keeps getting better as I run it more. I don’t think it’ll have any problem pulling three big red passenger cars.[:D]
EDIT: Here’s a little “before”:
That’s pretty much how it was as I got it. I had already replaced the wheels (which had crumbled) when this picture was taken, and the headlights, pantograph, and whistle are new (bought them separate from the engine).
I did polish all the brass that was in need (end doors are reproductions, pre-polished and coated), and I repainted any black that wore off. To do that, I watered down some Testors acrylic gloss black and applied a droplet at a time, letting it flow where it needed to. Anything that went beyond its lines was carefully rubbed off.
I’m nearly done with the first 710 coach, and it’s looking great! I will post pictures of everything, and I’m going to be showing my progress with the next car as I do it.
I’ve got a pretty good place outside where I can take pictures. When it’s all done and the weather’s nice, I’ll be sure to do that too.[:)]
It looks fantastic so far, and I have been searching around for your missing brass plate. I replied once before about a 254 on ebay, but I found another one on Ebay that may be worth looking at. The 254 is just the shell with both brassplate doors, and is listed at start of $24.99 bid, with $3.50 shipping. It will give you the parts you are looking for, to complete your 254. It is listed as item #220851956734, and ends in 3 days , 8 hrs… Hope this helps.
teledoc, thanks for helping me look for the part. I noticed that shell on eBay, but it looks like I missed it. Guess I’ll have to keep looking. I know there’s one out there somewhere![:)]
JamesP, I just finished the first passenger car on Saturday![:D]
Here’s a before shot:
And here’s the after!
The light is flickering a little, so I’ll need to work on the floor to truck contact more. But it turned out nice![:D]
Just wanted to let you know that there are two 254’s on Ebay, which will give you the parts you need. One is an almost complete 254 with 1 bid so far, started at $40, located in Florida. The other one listed is listed at 99 cents start bid, with one bidder placing 2 bids on different times. The 99 cent unit has been stripped to bare metal, and has both brassplates, and other parts, but not all there. Thought I would give you heads up on 2 more available for your brassplate you need. Good Luck.
I was going to watch it more closely, but I was called to work an extra shift that day and couldn’t check on things. Oh well, maybe I’ll get the next one.
