Thanks for the list of sources for parts in the Fall 2025 issue of CTT. I have nine prewar and postwar engines awaiting attention; I’ll need parts for some of them, and your list will be invaluable. But some sources don’t do searches for parts, which raises the question: Where do we find part numbers? At one time I found owner’s manuals and instruction sheets for Lionel engines on the Lionel website, but the last time I looked I couldn’t track them down. Who has the numbers? Please advise! — Fletcher Coolidge, Northfield, Minn.
Your question is an excellent one, Fletcher. Let’s start from the beginning. First, you’ll need the manufacturer and product number of the item. If you have the original box, that information will be easy to find. If you don’t have any packaging, you’ll need to find a product number on the item itself. It will also be helpful to know the era of the product, as not all suppliers carry parts for all eras. The numbering system may also differ, depending on the era.
Using an exploded diagram of the item will be the most helpful in finding the part number you’ll need. I’ve broken resources down by manufacturer.
American Flyer
American Flyer S Gauge Parts Lists & Exploded Diagrams, 1979-1991 (Greenberg, 1991)
Greenberg’s American Flyer Factory Manual and Consumer Instruction Sheets (Greenberg, 1991)
Port Lines Hobby Supplies has a series of videos, some with wiring diagrams and other information on repairs: https://www.portlines.com/am-flyer-repair-clinics
Train Repair Parts has diagrams (and sells parts) for some models: trainrepairparts.com/diagrams
Atlas O
Altas has parts diagrams for a number of items: https://shop.atlasrr.com/t-partsdiagrams.aspx
Bachmann/Williams
Bachmann offers diagrams and parts for the Williams line. Click on “Parts & Service.” shop. bachmanntrains.com
Ives
Join The Ives Train Society to get access to diagrams and much more.
Lionel
Bob Osterhoff sells a CD with Lionel prewar parts and instruction sheets. He also sells a CD with Lionel postwar service manuals and parts lists. trainpaper.com
Greenberg’s Repair & Operating Manual for postwar Lionel trains (Firecrown Media)
Greenberg’s Lionel Modern Era Diagrams and Parts Lists (Kalmbach, 1992)
Lionel sells parts for approximately the past 10 years of production. The support website also has manuals and repair information. lionelsupport.com
Rudy’s Toys sells both Lionel service manuals and service bulletins: rudystoys.com
Trainz has a growing number of exploded view diagrams on its website: trainz.com/pages/parts-diagrams
Marx
According to Jim Flynn, the only resource is the long out of print Greenberg’s Guide to Marx Instruction Sheets book, but it did not include exploded diagrams. There are no known parts diagrams available.
MTH
MTH Parts has a searchable database of exploded view diagrams: mthpartsandsales.com
Menards
If the product is under warranty, contact Menards for a replacement. Parts are not sold separately.
Unfortunately, it may be more difficult to find part numbers for manufacturers that are long out of business. I suggest using a search engine and type in the product number and name. Someone may have uploaded a diagram or drawing.
Another resource is model train forums, such as ours for CTT. Post your question and see if someone can offer help.
Have a local show in your area? Bring your item along and see if you can find another one to buy for parts.
If you have a local hobby shop that does repairs, stop by and see if the staff has available parts or can offer advice.
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to call or email the suppliers on my original list. Even if you don’t know the part number, they may be able to assist with finding the correct item.
Best of luck with your repairs!
