Postwar Lionel 118 whistle stand questions.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a pic of what the schrubs are suppose to look like on either side of the bench? Are there any repro's that look good or can a guy make some? I appriciate any info. Thanks, Eric

[wrmcclellan]

Eric,

I have the 118 (which I received new as a child). The shrubs are gone, but as I recall the "shrubs" were squared up pieces of gree lichen. I checked my old Greenburg books and they say it was a sponge. If so, it would have been natural sponge dyed green which is very similar to lichen. The shrubs were about 1/2 inch high. So I think they would be easy to make out of lichen.

Regards,
Roy

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Roy. I will need to make some for one I bought on eBay. I bet not to many of them have survived due to the nature of the material. I have some real sponge from a painting project I took on with my wife last spring. If I had a photo of the original, I bet I could duplicate the look. I have had good luck with other Lionel items. Thanks for the reply.