Lionel Trains - Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum
General Lionel & Model Train Discussion => General Lionel Model Train Discussion => Topic started by: terry on December 04, 2021, 03:46:19 pm
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I got these from my father who had them when he was a kid (1925 era). There were some parts that were replaced but most is original. If anyone would be kind enough to tell me what I have and how much it all is worth I would appreciat it. I will try to post a picture here but if it doesn't work you can email me for pictures. t.schultz5@roadrunner.com
(https://i.imgur.com/0QYTPfB.jpg)
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Terry, are there any brand identifications on the cars? I can't tell from your pictures if they are tinplate. Is there a motor inside the locomotive? Can you measure the width between the wheels? (That might tell us the gauge).
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The engine is a Lionel 402 and 30 years ago I had the pickups and pantographs replaced because they had broken off. It is about 17 inches long with a brown color and there are two motors inside. The distance between the wheels is about 2 ¼ inches.
I also have 3 train cars, Parlor Car, Observation Car and Parlor/Baggage Cars all labeled New York Central Lines. I last ran them about 30 years ago and everything worked then including the lights. I no longer have a transformer to hook up to test them but they were working when I put them away in plastic bags for storage. I also have some track. Any help would be appreciated.
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Terry, although you stored them carefully, the lubricants have probably hardened. Fortunately, using the correct solvent will probably correct the problem.
They look like they are in good condition, and they are unusually old, so they should be worth something. However, the market is glutted with old model trains, so I doubt that you will collect a fortune.
The little bit of online information I can find indicates that the loco was first manufactured around 1926, but Lionel continued to make them for some time. Production ended around 1935. Over time, Lionel ran out of the correct side panel and substituted a different side panel.
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Vince, Thanks for the reply. What side pannel are you refering to and what is the differance between the two? Can you tell from the picture which one is on my set?
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The first ones had a side panel with the letter "E" stamped into it. For reasons I can't fathom, that showed the direction lever. When they ran out of them, Lionel substituted a similar panel with the letter "E" rubber-stamped onto it. Later, they quit stamping the "E."
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Vince
I am not trying to be thick and I appreciate you help but I still don't know where on the engine or cars that the side panel is that you are referring too.
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No problem, Terry.
I found two old threads on other forums that state that the "E" is stamped on the door, but that Lionel ran out of the panel that had the door, so they substituted a similar part. Check https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/lionel-402-info-needed?reply=29023674663479771#29023674663479771 for one of the threads.
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Vince Now that you have showed me where to look I am certain that there is not and never was an E on the door of the engine. Thanks for the help.
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terry
Hello & Welcome to the Forum!
l love seeing Lionel Standard Gauge Trains showing up here on the Forum.
The current condition is Operator quality as it sits, restoration may increase value
tho some are prefering original condition with all the love the trains have received left intact.
Better photo's would help with identification, but the cast headlights & damaged red stamp
on door say 1926 - 1929 to me.
Happy Rails!
dave
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Thanks for the reply but I don't understand some of what you said. The headlights are not cast they look like formed sheet steel and how is the door of the engine damaged just because it does not have an E stamped on it? I am a real novas when it comes to model trains so could you please explain what difference these items make?
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Terry, most trains that old have had replacement parts installed When you see a recent photo of that engine, it probably shows replacement parts. I have seen videos of very old trains (One guy had a 100-year-old Lionel locomotive that ran), but those trains have some replacement parts.
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I know that the panagraphs and the pickups on the bottom have been replaced and I did do some rewiring for the coach lights 30 years ago but as far as I know everything else is original to the set.
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Terry
Sorry, my misidentifying your headlight & damage to door is from your photo's.
This is why it is important to take photo's showing different views & close ups.
happy rails.
dave