How to Fix a Postwar Lionel Prairie type 2026. Shell Removal and Maintenance

Рет қаралды 6,208

2 жыл бұрын

I purchased this Lionel 2026 along with a beautiful prewar 1666. I am proud to have this beautiful locomotive in my fleet. It was an amazing deal, it arrived in amazing condition and is a smooth runner especially at low speeds. The only real drawback is it doesn't handle the Fast Track switches too well. But that is minor.
This video is a detailed tear down that any beginner can handle.
Enjoy!
Thanks for watching. Help support the channel for as little as a $5 per month / postwarguy

Пікірлер: 26

@richj1134 6 ай бұрын

I am the original owner of a 2026. Got it out for my grandson. Running sluggish and noisy after many many years. Followed your video, cleaned, lubed, and oiled. Now it screams around the track. GREAT video Warren!

@IndianaNorthWestern 5 ай бұрын

It needs *more* lubrication on the motor

@williamlee1429 Жыл бұрын

Well, of course we have to watch what we say in the comments, but that largely goes for content creators as well. The pristine Marx transformer that you have there is a 50 watt like I had in 1955 for my Lionel 0-4-0 work train. My Dad couldn't afford a Lionel transformer for the starter set because it didn't come with one, so he bought my Marx 1209 although mine was black. That little transformer ran my steamer around the 4x8 foot layout until I graduated from high school in 65. I might call it small, but I wouldn't call it crappy.

@stringsattached67 6 ай бұрын

I've got lots of transformers and compared to some of my 90+ watt transformers the little Marx would be considered a test transformer in my fleet of transformers. 😉

@robertnielsen2461 Жыл бұрын

The slider shoe is designed for use on tubular track.When Lionel made the much more realistic fast track the third rail is ushaped. Your final approach to slightly alter the shape of the shoe was correct and was Lionels suggestion also.Good job!

@crowznest438 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! So helpful!

@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I love hearing that these have actually helped others!

@VintageandClassic Жыл бұрын

My 1948 2026 could barely pull 5 cars and couldn’t make it around the track without shorting. After I followed the steps in this video my old 2026 runs butter smooth without shorting AND can now pull 11+ old cars!! Amazing and thanks!!!

@trainman5603 Жыл бұрын

I have a few of these in my collection, but most are later. Thanks for the very informative video.

@mylennyuym Жыл бұрын

Nice vid, very informative; you can also fill in the voids in the shoe with solder, that will last a long time. Thanx Sam

@stever.5092 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice locomotive.

@northpennvalleysteamrailroad 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video friend!

@davidmackinnon3448 8 ай бұрын

❤ it

@jamesdenny4734 4 ай бұрын

Hello, say, my brush plate was stuck to the motor housing. I tried to slowly pry it up, but when I got closer to the wheels, the brush plate broke at the spindle. Would you know of a place to buy another one? I dont want to continue working on it if it's going to cost an arm n a leg. Thanks 😊

@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 4 ай бұрын

You can get reproductions on Ebay. Thats where I got a set and they work perfectly. Otherwise its keeping your eyes open at train shows for a guy with parts.

@billharvey9836 6 ай бұрын

Can I remove the e unit from my 2026 Lionel locomotive and will it work better

@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 6 ай бұрын

Hey Bill. If you remove the e unit you need to rewire the Loco and you will only be able to run it in one direction.

@pheehzero Жыл бұрын

I have this exact model...it works, and then it doesn't. Brushes are good and cleaned, commutator is clean, e-unit appears clean and working. Not sure what else I can do?

@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. Check the slider shoes (or pick up shoes) on the bottom. Do they have holes worn in them? It sounds like they are losing contact with the track. If they aren't worn through you can remove them and spread them open just a bit. Replace them and try that. If you're on Fast track that is likely another issue. Mine works beautifully on tube rails. Not so reliable on FastTrack no matter what I do. Especially Fast Track switches. The worst for my 1948 2026

@pheehzero Жыл бұрын

@@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 I'm testing it directly...not on the track. Power to chassis and to the shoes...mostly it doesn't work. I have no clue at this point!

@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 Жыл бұрын

It sounds like a broken or bad wire connection. Inwoild check all the solder joints. Even the main power wire from the pick up rollers. Check for bare spots on the wires that may be shorting out on the chassis, or body.

@pheehzero Жыл бұрын

@@warrenmuzakpostwarguy4331 Thanks Warren, it turned out to be even simpler...I cleaned all the carbon out of the brush holders!

@pheehzero Жыл бұрын

I tried it after putting it in the shell and it worked many times, then after complete assembly it stopped working. I guess I'm done trying.