Show Posts - Richtim

I just purchased NIBox AEC 57 Lionel switcher from 1998 that appears to have never been run. I oiled all pivot points, greased the gears and cleaned the wheels. It ran a little sluggish so I put 2 drops of oil into the armature and it ran much better. I am still seeing a lot of sparks by the pickup rollers as I run the engine. Is this normal? What causes this?  I have an old 44 Lionel missile engine that also has a lot of sparking as I run the engine. Any thoughts?.....Rich

I recently acquired The LASER train on Ebay and I am trying to find out more information about this set. This appears to be Lionel at its lowest point, all plastic parts and very cheaply made in 1981. It runs on a DC transformer and 027 track. Does anyone know how much it sold for in 1981? Was it in a catalogue? How did Lionel justify selling this?  I knew what I was getting when I ordered this as I believe the collectability is in its kitschiness and very suspect construction. Was this a rare set and what was the publics response.....Thanks Rich          I am still going thru this set as all the paperwork and 2 plastic play mats are all in great shape! Looking at the 027 track it appears to have never been run. The LASER Train stood for Land and Space Early Reaction Train. It came with a Small Switch engine and 5 cars, all non operating, a Helicopter car, Security car, Missile carring car, Radar car and a trail car.