I posted this over in Classic Toy Train and thought it may have interest here. I recieved a coaler and it was in OK shape, rusty, bad paint and did not run. So I restrung it and got the unit functional, i.e. motor cleaning, spring adjustment , brushes and wiring fixes where needed. Dissasembled unit taking lots of pics and narrative notes. Beadblasted everything, primed and painted. The fininsh on the tower was the hardest to match as the original had a mottled appearance. Luckly I found a rustoleum color finishcalled hammered metal. I was very impressed with the color. Everything received three color coats. After drying for 24 hours, painted the red trim around the doors and windows. Cleaned all componets not repainted and reassembled and resoldered detached wires. Still need to order replacment windows and the rod that attaches the trolley top to the tower. Neat project. Now looking for another project!
Jim
