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by Joseph Stachler One thing I've always liked about the Fundimensions line of Lionel trains is that you could count on them to be a lot like the Postwar originals. Although the diesel locomotives didn't always have the same features like Magne-Traction or sounds, a lot of them did have the means for retro-fitting those features into them. In the case of Magne-Traction, one needs the complete truck part to do this. These are available from many parts dealers. As for a horn, you'd be surprised that with the right parts, you can add this vintage feature to some modern equipment.
Necessary parts for horn mechanisms are not to difficult to purchase from parts dealers. Reproduction horn brackets are readily available as are reproduction horns. Original DC relays can be found if you look. They run about $20 to $25. There are also new versions available designed to fit on the battery bracket in place of the original relay. You will also need to purchase insulating parts for the relay because the battery bracket carries the positive battery power to the horn. Please see appropriate diagrams for parts needed. In the case of the F3s, the diecast frame is tooled for the D cell battery to fit in. This is the same frame as the 2243 Santa Fe F3 introduced in 1955. Designed for a single motor, 3-position E-unit, and horn, this was the same part used on the early Fundimensions F3s. At the back of the frame, you'll notice two small holes which are for the horn unit to be installed. In the center of the frame, there are two small holes near the edge for mounting the battery bracket.
In the center of the fuel tank, you'll notice the metal plug for the battery. This must be removed. It's in there pretty good so you will probably have to tap it out with a small hammer. A hole must be drilled for the fastening thumb screw. Looking inside the frame, you will see the raised Once the hole is drilled, use a 5/16" self-tapping screw to tap for the thumb screw. The diecast metal is soft enough that you shouldn't have much of a problem turning it. Modifying your F3 might be something you do not want to
do. These models, even with their lack of features, are still fairly
collectible. Some of the changes, such as drilling holes in the frame, are
irreversible. The collectible value might decrease for some, even with the
added horn.
The EP-5 is a bit more complex. To install a horn in this locomotive, you'll also need to purchase a replacement diecast fuel tank part. These can be found with the battery cover plates already attached. It won't be too difficult to pop the plastic fuel tank off of the frame. On the Postwar EP-5s, the fuel tank is fastened to the frame by a press. I would recommend
pressing four speed/lock nuts on the mounting posts. They will firmly hold the
tank to the frame and if you ever want to remove the tank, you will be able to. |
These basic steps will also work for modifying the F3 diesels. The EP-5 electrics will not require as much work. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for your early Modern Era locomotives as you run them and hear the blast of that unique Postwar monotone horn. |
FM Train Masters include:
8950 Virginian
8951 Southern Pacific
8056 C&NW
Parts needed:
2321-50 Battery Bracket
2321-52 Insulation
2321-55 Horn*
2333-129 Battery Cover
2333-116 Lock Screw
2333-115 Rivet**
2333-121 Relay
4-40x5/16 R.H. Bracket Screw (2)
118L-11 Insulated Washer (2)
1041-33 Solder Lug
For exploded diagram of the FM, which includes assembly of the horn components
and wiring diagram, click
here.
F3 Diesels include:
8363 Baltimore & Ohio
8365 Canadian Pacific
8464 Rio Grande
8466 Amtrak
8555 The Milwaukee Road
8568 Preamble Express
Parts needed:
2367-42 Battery Bracket
2367-44 Insulation
2367-34 Battery Plate
2363-10 Plate Screw
2333-121 Relay
2363-11 Rivet**
2367-55 Horn*
2401-19 Shoulder Washer (2)
6-32x5/16 R.H. Bracket Screw (2)
For exploded diagram of the F3, which includes assembly of the horn components and wiring diagram, click here.
EP-5 Electrics include:
8272 Pennsylvania
8551 Pennsylvania
8558 The Milwaukee Road
8762 Great Northern
18302 Great Northern
Parts needed:
2321-50 Relay Bracket
2333-121 Relay
2321-52 Insulation
2350-35 Underframe***
2367-55 Horn*
118L-11 Insulated Washer (2)
4-40x5/16 R.H. bracket screw (2)
For exploded diagram of the EP-5, which includes assembly of the horn components and wiring diagram, click here.
*There really doesn't seem to be a difference between horn 2321-55 and horn 2367-55. They mount to the frames the same way for each locomotive.
**The shoulder rivet is a more permanent and secure means of holding the battery plate to the frame. If you don't have access to a rivet press, use a small machine screw and nut to hold the plate one. Watch that it is always secure enough that it won't come apart on you from use.
***The underframe replacement part for the EP-5 generally comes with the battery plate already secured to it. They are diecast and sell for around $25.00.