Repairing a Pre-War Lionel 1688E Torpedo

[@johnandrus3901]

Nice and informative video. I've never liked working on Lionel steam locomotives. They are just a pain in the rear. The one thing, though, make sure that nobody uses a polishing compound-style wax. It will harm the surface, as it has a fine substance made to clean stuff out of automobile paint surfaces before waxing. Regular carnouba wax is just fine. I use Simonize on my AMT passenger cars. They are aluminum and they just shine like a mirror when I'm done with them. Either way, an excellent video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you John!

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

The beginning of the video is awesome

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Steven!

[@roughneckwolf]

Thanks Ron. If you notice, between this open frame motor, the Pul-Mor and the MPC motor, that brush holder and motor design hadn't changed in over 70 years. And then Lionel LLC did the can motor thing. Great vid.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I like when engineers don't mess with something that just works :-) Can motors are better suited for them fancy sound loco's with computer chips driving them around. Thanks for watching!

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

You needed the patience of a saint, resurrecting that E unit! Raymond Loewy had great vision for an eye catching locomotive. It makes for a wonderful model.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Takes some time to re-assemble for sure. Beautiful design. To bad it didnt last very long.

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

I watched the video twice,the second time,I turned the sound down,and just watched you talk,with your hands! Lmfao. Great video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Oh Oh... I'm a hand talker? SHOOT! ;-)

[@paulatherton985]

Beautiful train. Can’t believe it was in such good condition for being that old.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Paul. I'm thinking it was stored in its boxes for years and years

[@bearowen5480]

Wonderful video, Ron! Thanks for the deep and comprehensive dive into a Lionel pre-war classic. No wonder it was a great seller for the boys in Hillside!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@gunslinger434]

What a beautiful set! Especially after you worked your magic on it!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much!

[@henryszubielski8601]

What a beautiful little set Ron. You did and excellent job!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Henry!

[@franktino6676]

Absolutely fantastic, Ron ,as to how you resurrected this '36 Lionel back to life and gleaming too ! I thoroughly enjoyed your video❗I don't know much about pre-war Lionel except for what I might see at a train show or up on Ebay, so your background historical information was very interesting 😂🚂❗

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Frank :-)

[@RichardMcCroft]

Hey Ron, I ordered a set of 3 of those fiberglass pens you use all of the time. It just came in from amazon and I tried it out on some electronics I am working on, and it works like an absolute champ! Very, very happy with that. I have no idea why more people are not using that. I gave one to my daughter for use on her jewlery. Thanks again.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help out!

[@johnsterling7420]

Awesome video, great resto Ron, looks like new.👌👍😇

[@classicmodeltrains]

thanks John :-)

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. FAN-tastic video with much-appreciated history.👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickdee67]

Theme from Shawshank in the beginning? Very groovy Ron!

[@classicmodeltrains]

It's from Epidemic sound. A service for music. Now I'm going to have to watch Shawshank (again!!) and see if its the same. I liked the "feeling" of that clip of music. Edited the footage to match :-)

[@erickarsgor6808]

GREAT VIDEO, I enjoyed it very much. I bought a 1668 (2-6-2) on e-bay several years ago for $25. The add said it did not run. Found a electrical short in the e-unit. So I removed the e- unit and re-wired it to run forward only. Cleaned it up, put new brushes in it and it is one of my best runners. I rely like the pre-war trains.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Erick. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on that 2-6-2. Any thoughts about putting a e-unit back in it?

[@erickarsgor6808]

Eventually, yes. @@classicmodeltrains

[@theplumber33]

What a spectacular find!!! Shining beautifully!!! I did not know you could do that with those rivets. I figured once you pulled on the part, that was it. Outstanding, brother!!! 33% go hard!!😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! This was an amazing antique store find but I of course paid to much for it. I dont think that pin can be swedged to many more times. An old Swedish trick I learned from this Mediterranean Feller. Thanks for the channel support!!!

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Nice old art deco design !Thank you , that was interesting to see how early toy trains were made .

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donaldweiss2031]

Great video Ron. I'm a 33% . Best way to spend 30 minutes

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you so much Donald!!

[@silvertrain7945]

One of the 33%! That set cleaned up so nice! Great work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support. Thank you :-)

[@azslotracer]

Another great job bringing an old toy back to life! Part of the hesitation when you were testing the engine on your dirty track lol, could have been from some of the wear on the slide type power pickups.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Could be :-)

[@NormanAllen-ps9ju]

Ron, you have done another fascinating job !

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Norman

[@ronalddevine9587]

That set is in remarkable condition. I agree with you on the e-unit. They are a pain in the back side. Many four letter words get muttered reassembling them!

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was shocking how nice it was. probably broke many years ago and was just sitting in the boxes in a closet

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

awsome looking vintage steamer!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Gary!

[@gacj2010]

This is historic....fantastic...oh man do I love this

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you :-)

[@johnmalley4355]

Very shiny, way cool. Good show Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you John!

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Awesome Jr. set, the cars look nice too. Those tabs on whistling tenders are just as much fun, realizing that the commutator will need oiling every so often.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John👍 Yup, metal tabs only have so many bends you can do to them

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

fantastic save on a beautiful old item

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Shakey!! Have not seen you comment in awhile. Hope you are doing well Sir!

[@shakeyhandsshedmodelrailwa2494]

doing good cheers buddy , just a busy time at work through being under staffed then when i get time off i'm plum tuckered out @@classicmodeltrains

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

You are welcome and I bought my first z scale train set this weekend

[@classicmodeltrains]

Z scale? never seen one in person yet.

[@davidcaudill7025]

Love the video! I have a prewar motor that looks identical to the one you just serviced here , i got it all back together and it wouldnt run. I could not figure out what the problem was untill i watched this video! I switched the brush plate screws and wala!!! I have a running motor again!!! I guess sometimes the most obvious and most simple issue will get you every time....lol thanks for all the videos very educational!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad this video helped you get another Pre-War back off the shelf and on the rails David!!

[@JacquesLevyJr]

Beautiful !!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@tomshannon7513]

Great job Ron, that's a beautiful set.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Tom!

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

WOW, you are awesome! To do what you do, it's amassing. And of course, your Billboard was on the modular layout at the Desert Empire Fair last weekend. ;)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Lynn!!!

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@@classicmodeltrains You're welcome. (Just got home from packing up the Club's modules from last weekend's show)

[@charlesdempsey176]

Quality work and a quality video. I was watching on my big tv. Looked fuzzy to me. Then I realized I wasn’t wearing my eyeglasses! Ha!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Charles :-)

[@BriansModelTrains]

A joy to watch - thank you!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Admiral_Nimtz]

Had that set in the early 1960"s. Nice to see it again, brings back memorys of childhood.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Lots of good memories come from the models and toys we play with as "adults" huh? :-)

[@thomasmoroney4993]

Live!…how did I miss this?….lol…well I am here now!…let’s get to fixing!..lol

[@classicmodeltrains]

I came up with an "instant" premier. Perhaps I should do a delayed premier next time so people will have awhile to be notified it's coming on.

[@thomasmoroney4993]

@@classicmodeltrains because we don’t want to miss you turning shelf art into working art!

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

SO COOL>>>>>

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@rickestabrook4987]

Great video, Ron,

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Rick!

[@garykellerup3470]

Thanks Ron. Great video! Took me a few days to catch up. 33%er here.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Gary for your support Sir!!

[@caboosech]

great video

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Dave!

[@regisbraga3833]

Nice - and a little bit complex - work Ron! The polishing make them look much better.

[@classicmodeltrains]

They really did come around :-)

[@rogerlee3941]

Hi Ron, Great video! I've got one of these that I've had for many years. I could certainly sympathize with you on the e-unit repair (they can really be a pain sometimes!).

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Roger. Thanks for your kind words. Is your Torpedo still pounding the rails? Yeah I would pay good money for the jig to assemble those dang E-units for sure!!

[@rogerlee3941]

Yes, it still runs! I'm a Lionel collector, and I've got others that I run, so the Torpedo sits on the shelf most of the time, but you know how bullet-proof these old Lionels are. A drop of oil here and there and send it down the line!@@classicmodeltrains

[@SantaFeBob]

Another fun video. I think my Dad has this one. Definitely going to follow your instructions for the turn up.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks SF Bob!

[@johnbarone3426]

I'm a 33 percenter great video nice to see prewar revived like that awesome Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support John. It was pretty cool working on such a old one.

[@MozanaRN]

Thank you Ron for another excellent video. I will stick with HO locomotives after watching your work on what to me is a system I do not completely understand yet find facinnating. I just wonder who thought this stuff up when watching your exploration of the mechanism. Truly amazing. :-)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Them engineers with their slide rules sure came up with some great stuff to go along with that newly invented electricity thing that's for sure :-)

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

That was an outstanding video Ron. You did a fantastic job on it. The locomotive looks and runs great again. The Torpedo was always one of my favorites. I have the twin brother to yours which is a #1689E. The 1688E and 1689E were the O27 locomotives. The “O” Gauge big brothers were the 238E and the #1668E. I have both the 1689E and the #238E. They were my fathers that were handed down to me, and I in turn will hand them down to my sons. Excellent video Ron! Tom

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Tom! Are the "O" gauge ones a bit bigger? Like noticeably? Pretty cool there being handed down thru your family like that. Great story!!!!

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

@@classicmodeltrains Yes, the #238E and #1688E are definitely bigger. They’re wider and a little longer. My Prewar #238E was made as a 4-4-2, and my #1689E is a 2-4-2, HOWEVER, in 1996, Lionel reprodced the #238E, and the #1668E using the original tooling for the shell of the prewar #238, but corrected it to be a proper K4 as a 4-6-2, and it was made with very early TMCC, but this time it had a hooter whistle for sound, and a smoke unit!! I did a video on the prewar #238E and the 1996 reproduction #238E along with a little history lesson on this locomotive. It’s on my channel if you’re interested to watch it. Let me know what you think if you do. Thanks, Tom

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@TomzTrainzandAccessories digging thru your channel right now. A lot of nice Lionel you have yourself there Sir!!

[@ecidaho]

Great video Ron. Really interesting to see how older O models work! Thanks and take care!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you once again Erick!!

[@marklinzeit]

Very creative and cool music video intro. Thank you maestro.

[@classicmodeltrains]

A few people have mentioned that. Guess I should do a few more like that. Artsy-Fartsy creative stuff :-)

[@avsavannahvalleyrailroad9479]

Good evening

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello!

[@kensbackshop6399]

Another sucsesful surgery by Dr.Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Ken!!

[@Tonyfishtail]

I love the way you go about all of it! Very informative and very entertaining and fun to watch! Great Job my friend!!😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Tony!!

[@mjamesb66]

Great video and history on this Loco. And rare as chicken lips. Lol. 33%er

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you James!!

[@jimweikak457]

{ C L R } Work Great , Especially on any rust copper metal an brass !!!!!, Including Track, And rust on Track !!, A little go's Along Way!! , MARRY CHRISTMAS !!, HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! PEACE AND LOVE !! ☺️🐕‍🦺

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the tip Jim! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours as well

[@Zebrails]

33%'er just turned 55 the 25th October... Ron, dazzling locomotive... your personality shines as well as the locomotive. But, your humor is the cat's meow! ("dog's bark" doesn't work.) Awesome job, videoing and such, history and great commentary... as always. Keep up the good work [and play]! Your videos keep me motivated {yours and a few others}. Good luck on your auction, I believe you'll get a pretty penny for that set \and for some reason I'ma hankering for a BabyRuth/ but they don't sell them up in Canada. ("Oh Henry" is a similar chocolate/candy bar.) .....distracted, train off in the distance. John

[@classicmodeltrains]

Welcome John. Were the same age. The old body feels it, but my mind still wants it's youth back. But the Adult sized checkbook is a better way to be ;-) Thanks once again for your kind words!!

[@matchboxcustomsandrestos]

I have never owned or worked on any pre war Lionel. The one that has always eluded me was the Blue Comet. The original pre war 1936-37. You asked a video or two back for merch ideas. How bout a 33% club t shirt? I would be in for that.

[@classicmodeltrains]

OOOhhhhh..... A "BLUE COMET"!!! That would be an awesome find for sure. I think a 33% Tee would be a great idea!!

[@clifnunnery4691]

LOOKS BRANT NEW

[@classicmodeltrains]

It sure does Clif. I was shocked!!

[@stephencossman6966]

I love your vid's and dialogue... you do great work but not much 😜 illin in south philly 😎

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching!

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

Love these later O gauge tinplate engines. Interesting the design difference between the chassis on this compared to the 259E, a lot more cast parts, and different center rail pickups. A lot of design evolution between them! Not sure why, but my 259E can traverse an MTH O-31 switch. I think it's because the side with the gear teeth is going over the side without the frog, but it's one of life's mysteries. Just noticed "Lord of the Isles" hiding back there on the shelf - I've added some details, crew figures, and paint to one of those, they're simple but clean up nice.

[@classicmodeltrains]

This one was a bit different than other Lionels Ive worked on. The journey of exploration in taking them apart to see how they tick is always enjoyable for me. A few people have mentioned that "Lord" loco up there lurking in the dark. Very distinct profile it has. MTH 0-31's? Sounds like heaven to me to own!!!!

[@CannonCountry]

You have brought up on more than one occasion not having a wheel press… which one do you want? Have you researched which one you would choose?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I'm sorta waiting until I get a larger area to model / repair in. I want to get a small arbor press for installing. I guess I would ask around what pullers other Fellers use when working on this bit bigger stuff

[@richardryan517]

Great video. I knew several railroaders growing up, from the B&O and our neighbor worked for the New York Central. They referred to all the stream line steamers as "Old whores in a new dress."

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Richard! I suppose back then they were getting all worn out and "loose" but just kept getting cosmetic repairs?

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i have a feeling she ll be good as new when you get done with her!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup!

[@kentpool7414]

84 years old? Do you mean 86? Great video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings Kent. To be honest I'm not 100% sure if this is a '39 or a '37. I get conflicting information off the google machine. Thanks for your kind words!

[@brentpodoll5848]

Chicken 🐔 lips there like hens teeth very hard to find l love it. Always a 33 percenter.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Brent for your support! I was looking for hen's teeth to say, but chicken lips just fell outa my mouth. Sounded good so I ran with it :-)

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

Yup z scale by marklin mini

[@classicmodeltrains]

very cool!

[@sreed3819]

I have a 1947 or 48 Lionel train set (incomplete and not greatest shape). Does it have any value and who would buy?

[@classicmodeltrains]

It might be worth something to somebody. Give me the road numbers on the cars I can look them up.

[@azmike1]

You need to set up a small O scale layout.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I completely agree with you Sir! The wheels of progress are in motion as I type this. (although their really slow ) :-D

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

yeah!! thats what im talkin about

[@classicmodeltrains]

Like a Swiss watch!!

[@awesomeaustin5704]

Something interesting to me is that this thing is older then some real steam engines

[@classicmodeltrains]

Never thought about it that way.....but YEAH!

[@stevenhaneklaus8087]

I'll try and send you some pics of it

[@classicmodeltrains]

send to my Facebook fan page "Classic Model Trains"

[@RobertDaSilva-ss8zx]

Dang A year too late for that auction. How much did she sell for? I be hooping like 4-500$

[@classicmodeltrains]

I cant remember exactly but it was a lot higher that I though it would be. I think your pretty close

[@evophantom]

Is shipping to the UK an option? :)

[@classicmodeltrains]

I dont think I'm set up for international. Sorry :-/

[@dougs_trains]

Do you know what Lionel did during the war?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Made electric servo's for airplanes and some other test equipment for the war effort I hear

[@mikeure1528]

i'm a bit new at this but is there a way to bypass a bad e-unit?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes there is but you have to be kinda knowledgeable with electricity flow and provide power to the stator electro-magnet and brushes.

[@therailfanman2078]

Honey I shrunk the S1

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@azmike1]

A wonderful toy train! Looks great! You are a great mechanic! I am not.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much! Practice can make perfect

[@DJBREIT]

Doing the E-Units with out the right tools Sucks big time.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes Sir it does!

[@normfredriksen1381]

👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

You were the first one to the party Norm!!

[@normfredriksen1381]

@@classicmodeltrains My son came over for a visit ( Hockey game) so I paused for a while but man, I really wanted to see you dig into this jewel live for a change.

[@jamesdenny4734]

What is an E-unit? 🤔

[@classicmodeltrains]

Lionel's solenoid operated reversing unit. Their "trademark" name for it is a E-unit

[@jimweikak457]

Always use ( CRC ELECTRICAL CLEANER ! ) MY TRAINS DID THE SAME THING UNTIL I USE THAT, GOT IT FROM HARBOR FREIGHT $10.00 A CAN !, IS WELL WORTH IT, MARC TRAINS ALMOST A HUNDRED YEARS OLD AND THEY RUN LIKE BRAND NEW!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the tip Jim!