Polar Express Light Repair

[@kadenshook3402]

These cars are the bane of my existence when it comes to changing lightbulbs on them

[@johnathanhintz7058]

Thanks for the post, I might need to do this with mine

[@ziiams]

Thank you for posting this. Just helped fixing ours

[@petelinster7093]

Thanks. I have one that I could not open as I'm a Newbie to this. But I will try this and now armed with knowledge. Your video was very easy to understand.

[@Lindahuskey48]

I’m trying to take the top off of the last train, have you ever replaced the bulbs in that car, looks like 3 screws have to come out but they are hard to get too. Thanks!

[@kevingorham6500]

I haven't tried the end train but I would expect it to be very similar to this one. Look for the tabs in the windows. The design is easy from an engineering and manufacturing perspective. I doubt that they made it difficult to assemble and disassemble.

[@Lindahuskey48]

@@kevingorham6500 thanks, I got the 3 screws out and found the tabs, then I shaved the tabs down in all the cars with a single edge razor blade, now when a bulb burns out the top of the train lifts off with no problem. 😊

[@rogerevoy6191]

Simply cut 4 plastic strips from soft butter lids and insert in the catcher windows to allow the catches to slide over. The catches are then slid over, all 4 at the same time. Pull top-window assembly up and out. Easy

[@charlescombs6049]

Thank You

[@Tumsaddict]

When my train cars are at rest the light stays on (usually) however, once they move even in the slightest way they flicker or turn off. Could this still be a car issue or a track issue?

[@kevingorham6500]

If you wiggle the car as it is sitting still, do the lights flicker? It's probably a connection issue to the track.

[@robwinemiller9712]

Just curious, would this be the same for lionel's baltimore & ohio Passenger cars as well?

[@kevingorham6500]

I don't know, but, I expect Lionel would do it the same on all of their trains. Look for the tabs in the windows, you should be able to see them if they are there.

[@vicferrarisgarage]

Awesome. Amazing what tight quality.

[@danl01234]

I appear to have wires that broke off under the passenger car. Any idea how to get access to re-solder? It appears that the wheel assemblies are riveted on. Any help would be appreciated.

[@kevingorham6500]

I take it that the wires have separated from the wheel assembly. If that is the case, you may want to consult with an expert at a model train hobby shop. They usually have full repair capabilities. Also, there are many model train forums on line.

[@danl01234]

@@kevingorham6500 Thanks very much for the reply and information. I’ll attempt to locate a local model train hobby shop. The one in my immediate area where I purchased the train years ago closed a couple years back. By the way, your video was extremely helpful in removing the roof. I’d never have tried it without your help.

[@paulblaho1920]

Where did you get bulbs? Please

[@kevingorham6500]

Just go to your local Train Hobby Shop. You should also me able to find them online. They are a standard bulb for model trains.

[@Gojiradude]

That’s really cool

[@heidim6468]

They look like Christmas tree lights are they?

[@kevingorham6500]

They are like short Christmas tree lights. You can get them at any model train shop.

[@JonBrooks105]

Good job! The only two Baby Madison Car sets this method doesn't work on is the 1973 Milwaukee Road set which had plastic tabs under the car that had to be cut off with a knife, and the "Super Baby Madison Cars" which are the same molds but have detailed interiors. I made a video seven years ago explaining why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJCbYnuYjZqjr7s

[@larryberger9440]

The lid is not called a lid but a roof. please get the terminology correct. Thank you.

[@MrBlutarskyZeroPointZero]

Nice video... Too bad Lionel engineers call for wire nuts... I removed the wire nuts and soldered the connections together... Then installed heat shrink tubing to insulate them... For what these cars cost, they should have come from China soldered, not wire nutted... Just awful the way they put them together...