I have a couple of Postwar Steam engines that are in need of some TLC, namely “boiler fronts”.
What are your views on ‘reproduction’ parts? Any source suggestions? As always, many thanks.
Tdaddy,
Which locomotive boiler fronts are you looking for? Any engine numbers? Lionel? American Flyer? Year made? Maybe I can help you out.
The repro boiler fronts are excellent in my opinion. You can also find used ones on Ebay if you look.
Olsen’s makes repro fronts themselves. They have a web site and sell on Ebay.
Roger
Ebay usually has originals. You also may want to try Olsen:
Jack
As trainrat said … I see alot of them on ebay … all the time .
Stan Orr is another good source for repros.
http://stanorrtrainparts.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/index.html
When shopping for originals on ebay, one thing to keep in mind is they often show up with reproduction marker lamps super glued on. They are notorious for breaking off. Just study the pic carefully and look for mismatched paint tones and repair seems. If the engine you are fixing is a runner with some dings here and there, it is not something I would get overly concerned about. They are closer to original than complete repros anyhow and the aged paint often matches the boiler better than a repro.
J. Daddy, Roger, Jack, OleTimer,John: Thanks for your speedy replies, advice and suggestions.
The primary “object of my focus” is my 2035 that sort of pretended to be an airplane and soared off the layout snaping off one of the markers & jewel.
(Of course I won’t mention the bent corner over the cab or the smashed headlamp. I’ve replaced the bulb and “sort-of” straightened out the cab roof. The scrapes and scratches give the engine character. Just looks lopsided running with only one marker light.)
The other locos are on the shelves and run less frequently. I guess that they draw my attention when the “spirit” moves me to dust them. That’s when my attention is drawn to the fronts. Usually, I overlook conditions and concentrate on the real runners on the layout.
My question about the “reproduction” parts was to sort-of guide me into looking for originals or to be equally satisfied with repos.
Many thanks.
IMHO. the odds of finding an original, undamaged boiler front for a 2035 are slim. That family of locomotives are particularly susceptable to marker light damage. If you were to find one, I expect the price would be considerable. The reproductions that are available today are of farily good quality. I’d buy one from one of the well-known parts guys, Olsens, Train Tender, George Tebolt, etc.
Years ago, many cast metal reporduction parts were of very low quality, and were often made of soft metal, so I’d say away from Ebay.