Been a while since I've been here on the CTT forums. I'll cut right to the chase, so I avoid writing a whole novel here like I usually do I recently bought an Ives wide gauge "set", consisting of a 3241, and 4 cars- a pair of 184 "buffet" and 186 "observation" cars. One set of cars was overall more intact than the other, and my intent when I bought them was to use one pair to supply parts to finish off the more complete ones, and then I could use what remained for a custom project. When they arrived, I discovered that there were some details I failed to notice in the listing- I assumed the two sets of cars were identical- aside from the fact that I noted that one set of cars had pickup rollers, and the other did not. But on personal inspection, I discovered the cars were actually significantly different! Despite carrying the same reporting marks, the actual dies used to make the carbodies were very different.
The illuminated cars featured smaller windows, with the hand-painted "stained glass" section having a flat top. Doors and end diaphrams are embossed into the carbodies, and the rear platform of the observation car features a singular large handle, presumably a break handle.
On the non-illuminated cars, the doors and diaphrams are seperately applied parts. Additionally, the seperately applied doors have seperately applied doorknobs (the other cars have embosssed simulated knobs)! The observation platform features a break wheel and two chairs facing the end of the car. The physical assembly is similar to the illuminated ones, but the windows are larger, with the stained glass portion being a large arch instead of having a flat top. There are also some ornamental windows punched out above the rear window. Another notable difference is the illuminated cars were designed with simple "hinges" on one side of the car, and catches on the other, so one could open the roof easily to change bulbs. There is also some internal bracing to help structurally support the carbody and roof. The non-illuminated cars lack this bracing (except one small strut in the observation), and the roofs were soldered directly onto the carbody. The way things are, the illuminated cars are complete except for one missing footstep on the observation. The non-illuminated cars currently are both missing doors on the right side, as well as both baggage doors being missing from the "buffet" car. They are also without couplings. I feel like I'm left with a slight moral dilemma- I don't know enough about ives, to know if either variation is particularly rare, and if I should go ahead and use the more incomplete cars for a project. I don't want to hurt a rare piece, but the buffet car is also in very rough looking condition, with what looks like heat/fire damage to the paintwork around the baggage doors. The observation is much better off, but it does still need a door, and couplings.If there's anyone out there who might be able to advise me, I'd appreciate it!!
"Unless bought from a known and trusted dealer who can vouch otherwise, assume every train for sale requires servicing before use"
Try the Ives Train society: https://www.ivestrains.org/
Specifically their "COMMON TO NOT-SO-COMMON" listings: https://www.ivestrains.org/webonly/common/COMMON_files/frame.htm
The 3241 sets are on there.
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
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