Q: I’d like some information about a Lionel tender numbered 234W and lettered for Lionel Lines. I can’t find any mention of this tender in Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel Trains. Instead, the book shows a no. 243 engine with a tender numbered 243W. The tender is similar, but not the same.
A: Lionel often stamped the engine number on the tender chassis. Such is the case with the no. 243 engine coupled to a no. 243W tender. Your tender is also shown in the Greenberg book coupled to a no. 239 engine.
Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains 1945-1969 also lists the 234W tender for the 2029 loco (pg. 46).
I acquired a 234w tender along with a 2037 engine. Both seemed to have had extensive use. The 234w I have read was included with some 2037 engines but only a few. My problem is that it is getting to be as old as myself and like myself is beginning to not work properly. It whistles but has a ratcheting sound before it does then it does whistle but only at nearly full power from a 1033 transformer. The pickups may have been previously replaced. The brushes appear to be showing uneven wear. How hard is it to replace the brushes?