Big Blue: Pride and Joy!

Lionel Lines Blue Comet 13103

Every train collector will eventually have one of these, the coveted Blue Comet.  In standard gauge it is heavy metal. 

I drove four hours to get mine and carried it to the car in the box.  I then drove to a fast food restaurant and couldn’t wait any longer.  I popped the hatch and opened the box with excitement. 

My wife was observing and has recounted many times since how my demeanor quickly changed.  A look of concern and uncertainty quickly came over me.  “There’s something wrong with this train,” I explained.  I paused in reflection.  “Well, it may not be easy, but I will make this right,” I said with determination. 

My 400e was made with the Lionel name in 1990, the 13103.  The frame was defective.  It was badly warped, and crumbling at stress points – screw holes and small details. 

Hence started my task of rebuilding this great locomotive.  It was a difficult and tedious job.  It required that I find many parts, and purchase some special tools.  Once I located a new frame, it was unpainted.  How would I get that deep shine with the thick feel of “baked enamel.”  The task continued. 

In the end I erected a paint booth in my garage and painted with spray cans.  It probably has 8 to 10 coats, and took weeks to dry with heat lamps.  I achieved the high gloss and deep shine that seems substantial. Not bad for an amateur, but not as valuable as a collectible. 

I did take the train to York and offered it for sale with the Blue Comet passenger Car Set 13408 (the good part of the original purchase) and I received lots of compliments on my restoration.  My paint was almost better than factory work.  Everyone was excited about the train that looked brand new. 

I still don’t know why a train only 22 years old had such deterioration in the castings. (I had to replace the steam chest also – despite attempts to reuse the original, it cracked while trying to re-attach it.)  If you are looking for this Lionel Classics, beware. 

So, because I have so much into Big Blue, time and effort (and money), it is a keeper for me.  It is often on my train table.  Visitors are so impressed! 

I recently approached a man selling a 400e at a show.  “These are great,” he said.  “I’ll never forget the sound of it running on the floor.  My father would lay the track down on the hardwood and we’d get excited.  It was something to see!”