Report On Early Lionel Steamers On Line

On January 14, 2012 eighteen tinplate toy train collectors met in Alexandria, VA to systematically gather data about early Lionel Standard Gauge steam engines. Read the results of their investigation focusing on early Lionel No. 5 locomotives on Tinplate Times: http://www.tinplatetimes.com/Tinplate%20History/GreenbergSteam/steam.htm or http://www.tinplatetimes.com

Early Lionel Study Group: Open Invitation

From Bruce C. Greenberg, PhD...the author of the Greenberg's Guides: Please join the Standard Gauge Study Group to study Early Lionel Electrics: 33, 34, 38, 42, 50, 53, 54, 1910, 1911 and 1912... Place: 5233 Bessley Place , Alexandria , VA 220304 Time: Sunday March 4, 2012 10 am to 4 pm Please invite your train friends to join us. Rsvp to Bruce Greenberg, 703-461-6991 or brucecgreenberg1(at)gmail.com

Ives Armatures on eBay

Just perusing ebay, check out this auction from Mr. Bob Hannon:

http://r.ebay.com/xO9Q6d

It's for newly wound Ives Armatures.  I remember speaking with Jim Cohen many times about armatures (or lack thereof) and Jim couldn't say enough good things about Bob.  I have some of Bob's armatures in a few of my Jim Cohen trains and they are as good as anything from the Ives or Lionel factory.

There are quite a few things that can go wrong with an original standard gauge engine.  More often than not the key item that effects performance and is hardest to replace IS the armature.  Winding these things is almost an art form.  Not trivial by any means.  It can be done by a dedicated hobbyist however I've seen Bob's work and it is stellar.  Read is his return policy on eBay and you'll get a good sense of how ethical he is.

Above is a pic for the auction.  I'd recommend you get to know this guy if you have a few original items.  One or two of these armatures sitting around in a desk or repair shop is a great idea.  Maybe it is time for a couple of new armatures anyway in some of my old Ives boxcabs!!

Marc