[CW] Straight Keys

[David J. Ring, Jr.]

I think the Lionel J-38's are more loved because of three things:

They feel good.
They "sing" when keyed.  The lever makes a short sweet note!
They have the toy train makers logo - how cool is that?

BUT you say that you want to get older and better keys.  I don't think that
you'll find less expensive keys that you'll really like.  The Lionel J-38
usually sells for $50 to $60.  It is well made, all brass, except for the
main lever.  You want a strong main lever, brass bends.

Other keys - older ones - like the Marconi 365 - are extremely well made
with roller or sleeve bearings, but might cost up to $350 in good shape.
These keys came in various varieties, 365, 365A, 365B, 365C, 365D and the
later models 365EZ and 365FZ.  The last two are smaller and are in an
aluminum housing made by Eddystone - but they still have the wonderful feel.

Many say that the 365B is the best because it is large, but without the
extra contacts of the earlier keys.

http://www.bluesardinia.com/telegraph/marconi365.html

Also at the top of the page is a link to an article by David Wyn Davies who
wrote about these exceptional keys in Morsum Magnificat - the Morse
Magazine.

MM's home page is here:
http://www.morsum.demon.co.uk/

73

DR