Well it took me 2 slow years, but I got it done. The Lionel 259T tender is finished and it is time for a test ride with the 259E engine. The tender was purchased in October 2007 and when it arrived the corroded nature was obvious. Additionally, the handrails and two journal boxes missed. I completed the disassembly, rust removal and painting process already a year ago, but I struggled with the handrails. I wanted a freestyle restoration project with some self made handrails. Initially I choose brass 2-3 mm diameter brass pipes to solder these into the handrails. But they turned out to be too sturdy and nearly impossible to assemble correctly through both holes. I understood late that some flexibility would yield a better solution. It took a while before I saw the linchpins lying about at home and I got the idea. I drilled 1 mm holes through the linchpins head and stuck 1 mm pre-bended brass wire through it, soldered it and polished it. Well I am happy to have finished a pre-war car again. There are still too many neglected toy train cars waiting for some attention and care and I not sure yet which one will be next.
