Lionel diesel engine--Reading 660

[christmastreasurebox]

Greetings, Several months ago I purchased a box lot for one item and am now going thru contenets. Older Lionel Reading 660 diesel engine and transformer.

Numbers on bottom engine  8030-35 and 8250-125. Transformer number is 1053. I got it rumnnng backwards and didn't realize I needed to turn power off/on twice to reverse it before dismantling the tracks. The lights all work, but when I push the red whistle button, the engine speeds up, no horn. And there seems to be a hole in the top where it would make steam. Does that make sense on a diesel?? I guess what I am asking does anyone here know about Lionel engines, what the numbers mean, does this engine require a battery? Or can you point me in the direction of someone you know who is a Lionel expert. I know next to nothing about model trains, so any help would be welcome.

[ginzokid]

Not a Lionel expert by any means but I remember from my old and first Lionel set in 1947 that the horn required a D cell battery to work. I think in went in the fuel tank on the bottom. I never had a Lionel that smoked unless I shorted it out. Yikes! Depending on where you live, check with a local hobby shop for a certified Lionel repairman. I have often had luck with answers from Tony's Trains in Vermont. Google them for the .com and ask away.

[christmastreasurebox]

Thanks for the info. I searched around and found a few good sites for info on this engine. Apparently mine is one of those "specialty" items that have been customized for a particular dealer/buyer. I live very near the Reading PA area (you know..."Take a ride on the Reading" from Monopoly) so it should sell for at least enough to recoup my cost of the original box lot. Have a pleasant holiday...Flo

[dl85vette]

Like Pete says, google Lionel.  With the internet what it is, I'm sure someone has a website that has everything you wanted to know about lionel.

I googled quickly and came up with these; I'm into N scale so no clue about Lionel so you'll have to look through to see which sites are of use. SOme may point you in right direction such as Lionel club ,etc..  Good luck...

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/model-trains/lionel-postwar

http://www.lionelcollectors.org/ask-our-experts/faqs.aspx

http://www.traincity.com/price_guide/plli.html

http://www.ibuyoldtrains.com/

http://www.estatesales.net/blog/2014/12/31/Estate-Sale-Tips-Lionel-Trains

[christmastreasurebox]

Thanks so much for the links. You guys are great. As soon as hubby puts the train up for the grandkids I am going to try to run the engine on actual lionel track so I can get pics of the lights on. Unlike other Pennsylvania engines, the headlight works on this one. 

Althought we put a train under the tree each year, we really know little more than turning it on and off. So agian thanks so much.