Gang...
I have been handed a well-worn pre-war standard gauge Lionel #8E (Red) for a rebuild. It runs, but barely... needs a "kick start", reverser doesn't seem to function. Additionally, looks like someone has "tinkered" and wiring doesn;t look correct. There's also some kind of lever that I have NO idea what is for. Anyone know where I can find illustrations/specs on armatures and reversers/wiring? The owner has ordered TWO new armatures off eBay, both claiming to be for this engine, both completely different than the original. Getting a little frustrated. Should have been relatively easy to figger out! Thanks in advance....
Brion
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
A "little" 8E SG, how cool. They were the smallest locomotive in the SG line.
The switch you wonder about is a manual reverser.
I've added a link that should have answers to every thing you need to know.
http://slivideo.mobi/online/1286454-lionel+8EFor parts, I suggest forum member Bill Hennings' family' shop:
http://www.henningstrains.com/On that wiring, if it's old/original wire, just unsolder one end, slip a piece of shrink wrap over it , then reattach it.
your problem may be that broken or missing wire insulation/coating is causing a short.
Happy Rails
dave