Looking for help

[Anonymous]

I found my Dad's old Lionel trainset in a box at home. He told me he got it in the 1940's sometime. Been searching online to find out how old this train is. He has a few cars, and the locomotive. Can anyone help me find out info on this train.
Loco says Burlington on the side #2328.

Hope to get this running and set up a track myself.

Thanks for any help.

[mpzpw3]

Using Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, vol. 1 , motive power and rolling stock, your engine was built in 1955-56. It features magne-traction, 3 position e-unit (reversing mechanism),horn, operating couplers, and lighted cab. Greenberg's gives it a pretty good price, and hope you get it up and running!!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help. Gonna take it to the hobby shop this weekend. Its in pretty good shape. Just a few minor nicks in the paint. No rust that I can see.

[Anonymous]

BTW, whats the best way to clean this locomotive? Sitting in a box it got rather dirty. I was going to use alcohol, but not sure if it will affect the plastic.

[ben10ben]

Normally I would say warm, soapy water and a toothbrush, but I would avoid that on this particular engine. The silver paint can be kind of delicate. Definitely avoid alcohol, as it will most likely strip the silver paint off along with all the dirt.

For this particular engine, I would remove the shell from the frame, and wipe it down with an old, damp washcloth, and followup with Pledge furniture polish.

[Anonymous]

ben10ben is giving you some good advice, alcohol works on some things well but a silver painted ANYTHING has to be handeled carefully, I've found that ArmorAll and a very soft toothbrush works well for most all old painted things.
And you should see what it will do for old transformers!!! WOW[:O][^] you can use the ArmorAll cleaner and then regular ArmorAll to keep the shene and you'll be pleased I promise!!!

[daan]

To see the number, it is a double motorred F3? probably will work as soon as you put it on the track.. Bringing it for service first is ok, but they can easily be maintained yourself. Nice found!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your advice. The metal railings are a bit scratched. The person at the hobby shop told me to not touch up the red paint because it would decrease the value. Would it be worth it to send it somewhere and have it professionally painted? I do not intend to sell it. Just want to keep it nice for my daughter to enjoy.

[ben10ben]

It would probably not be worth the money to have it touched-up professionally. A Burlington GP-7 with intact silver paint that hasn't tarnished or faded can command a pretty good premium if it's all original.

[mpzpw3]

I really HATE to bring this up, but ... Williams is reproducing this engine. I guess you could buy one of these, and put your shell on it. I know this isn't great, but it is an alternative to having the frame repainted. Personally, I think the nicks and scratches add to the history of the train. I debated on restoring my old 2343s forever, and decided that the imperfect condition "made them perfect". The years have gone by, both on train and man, perhaps we should just live with it, and enjoy it.

[Chris F]

What about the numbers on the other cars in the set? The passenger car sets (1534W in '55, and 1562W in '56) are particularly valuable!

[Anonymous]

The cars are in another box. I will look for them this week.