Need Help....

[Anonymous]

we have an old train set passed down a couple generations and was wondering if someone can help me identify the set we have? We wanted to get the track updated and the cars restored so we can have it for next christmas.. The engine(locomotive) is black with a thin red stripe, the wheels are silver. There is a # 2016 beneath the window on the side of the engine. All the cars have the words "Lionel Lines". The caboose has the number # 6017 and is burgundy in color. There is a coal car right behind the engine. There is also a Red car with "Baby Ruth" on the side. There was also a silver gas car with "sunoco" but this piece is broken. Hope this helps. thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

The engine you have 2016 was produced by Lionel in 1955-56. It came with the #6026w tender. The caboose was produced also by Lionel between 1951-62,
as for repair you may want to check in your area for a Lionel service center.
Good luck with your project and happy holidays.
Keith

[brianel027]

Check out this webiste: www.postwarlionel.com
In addition to what Keith said, it sounds like your trains are fairly common and not unusual. But most of the trains can either be fixed or restored. I've taken the most broken and busted up of trains and turned them into brand spanking new items.
If you're just doing a holiday layout, you might want to consider the new Lionel "FasTrack." It is absolutely perfect for that kind of thing. Check out their website at:
www.Lionel.com
I don't know where you're located, but many metro areas have Lionel dealers or someone who can fix or restore old Lionel trains. Try doing a computer search for Lionel train repairs and see what comes up. You might consider buying an issue of Classic Toy Trains: there's all kinds of ads for not only trains themselves, but services such as repair and parts. The last issue (December I think) had an article on getting your old trains out of the attic and making them run. A good article for you.
This is a nice family tradition you want to start. It'll feel good when visitors come over and see the train around the tree and exclaim they haven't seen that in years!
And Lionel is as much a Christmas tradition as fruitcake, only better!!!! Much better...
brianel