Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Tools for You

For the serious O-Gauge hobbyist, I've been recommending the following items from Set #1. The Original Riveting (O-Gauge) Starter Set #0 is a good choice. It will allow you to do some of the most common Lionel Post-War riveting repairs including knuckle couplers, slide shoes, armature spring rivets, and a host of other small and mid-sized rivets. If you do not need to replace trucks, then the Original Riveting Starter Set for O-Gauge #0 is for you.

Set #0: Brakeman's Riveting Basic Set for O-Gauge Trains

(Cost: $110.00)

The Best Tools for You

For the serious O-Gauge hobbyist, I've been recommending the following items from the entire set. They represent the heart of the Brakeman's Riveting Set, the best of the best — and they are the most commonly used items in the complete set.

Set #1: Brakeman's Riveting Basic Set for O-Gauge Trains

(Cost: $195.00 - Add $49 for Wooden Set Box)

Question: I only collect American Flyer S-Gauge, and I don't want to spend much more than $100. What do you recommend?

Answer: If you are planning to do any repairs in S-Gauge, you will need to replace 1/8" rivets, the most commonly used rivets in American Flyer S-Gauge trains. For Flyer collectors, I recommend getting the BR-2 Super Riveter for S-Gauge, the BR-S Truck Rivet Securing Tool, and a base fixture to secure the post while riveting ($105 plus $8.50 shipping). Or, simply purchase the BR-2 Super Riveter for S-Gauge and a base fixture to secure the post while riveting (for $110 plus $8.50 for shipping).

If you need to rivet American Flyer Pikemaster trucks to frames, then you should add the BRT3-2¼" Rivet Tip and Eyelet Backing Post to the BR-2 Super Riveter for just $26. If you need to restore or replace link couplers on your postwar Flyer trains, then you should add the BRT5-2 Link Coupler Repair Set for an additional $40.

The Basic Set for S-Gauge Riveting includes the following:

Set #3: Brakeman's Basic Tools for Riveting S-Gauge American Flyer Trains

(Cost: $180.00)

Question: What does the Complete Set for O-Gauge Trains cost and what does it include?

Set #5: Brakeman's Riveting Boxed Set for O-Gauge Trains, as advertised in O Gauge Railroading Magazine.

(Discounted Cost: $425)

Set #8: Brakeman's Riveting DELUXE O-Gauge Set for Lionel, as advertised in O Gauge Railroading Magazine.

(Discounted Cost: $519.00)

Question: What does the Complete Set for S-Gauge Trains cost and what does it include?

Set #4: Brakeman's Riveting Complete Set for S-Gauge Trains

(Cost: $325.00)

Question: I restore O-Gauge, S-Gauge, and standard gauge trains, and I want a complete set of rivet tools. What do I order?

Answer: I would like to give you two options on what to buy. The first one includes the most useful tools for Lionel and American Flyer repairs. I will include the wooden set box with both sets. I think you might want to consider just buying the most important tools (Set #5). Or, if you would prefer to buy all the tools I have available at this time for Lionel and American Flyer repairs, then you can purchase Set #6.

Set #6: Brakeman's Riveting Most Useful Tools for Lionel and American Flyer

(Cost: $320)

Set #2: Brakeman's Riveting Complete Set for Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx

(Discounted Cost: $579.00)

Question: Do you carry any tools for repairing Marx Trains?

Answer: Yes. For Marx truck replacement, I recommend getting the BR-2 Super Riveter with the BRT2-2 1/8" Tip, including the NEW Marx Eyelet Backing Post with a base attachment and the BR-S Truck Rivet Securing Tool (for $115.00 plus $8.50 shipping). If you already have the BR-2 Super Riveter for "S" Gauge and you want to add the BR-MP NEW Marx Eyelet Backing Post, it is sold separately for $10. If you have the BR-2 Super Riveter for O Gauge and you do not have the BRT2-2 Tip used for S Gauge and 1/8" rivets, you should order this tip, as well, for properly setting the Marx eyelet with the Super Riveter.

Set #7: Brakeman's Riveting Set for Marx O Gauge Trains

(Discounted Cost: $185.00)