Need info on 261 lionel lines train set

[Anonymous]

Hi ! I have just recived a set of old Lionel trains. There is a steam engine that runs with a plate that reads "261 Lionel Lines" on the side of the cab. This engine does not seem to be die cast. With it is a tender that has a plate that reads "Lionel Lines". There are 3 pullman cars with the number 529 and one observation car with number 530. These cars are painted a light brown and seem to be stamped metal. They each have only 4 wheels and not a wheel trucks and the couplers are not like a "G" but more like a latch. I am not a train collector but I do collect Die Cast Cars. If I had to grade this set like a car it would be good to fair. It is scratched and chipped with some rust and small missing parts. Can any one tell me what I have here and if it has any value. Thank You Bobby Blinds

[Chris F]

From "Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1901-1942":

261 STEAM: 1931, 2-4-2, similar to 262, except nonreversing. Die-cast zinc frame and sheet-metal boiler and cab, black gloss finish; brass/copper trim, red-spoked wheels, 9 3/4". With four-wheel black 257 brass-trimmed Tender. [Good Cond. - $130 as of 2005 Greenberg Price Guide]

529,530 PASSENGER CARS: 1931. Terra cotta body, cream trime, maroon frame, blue mottled celluloid upper window trim, copper journals. Included in Set 148 or 1148 with 261 Loco. [Good Cond. - $25 as of 2005 Greenberg Price Guide]

[Anonymous]

Thank You Chris for the info on the 261. Bobby Blinds