Prewar paint question - Lionel Hiawatha

[Anonymous]

I just purchased what I believe is a completely original Lionel Hiawatha (the earlier version with the weights in the locomotive). The whistle tender didn't work so I opened the tender to see if there was a quick fix. I was surprised to see what is obviously sprayed paint on the interior of the tender. Everything else about the train appears original including many years of dirt, wear, and rust, where you'd expect to find it. I always assumed that all prewar pieces were dipped in paint so the spray marks really surprised me. Has anyone seen this before or aware of other prewar lionel items being spray painted?

Any feedback greatly appreciated

Tim

[rlplionel]

I can't answer your query directly, but I also have a prewar Lionel Hiawatha that has been repainted. Trouble is, it was repainted so long ago that it looks like it could be an original. If it wasn't for the TCA identags identifying it as restored tinplate, only an expert would be able to tell.

Robert
http://home.surewest.net/rlplionel/Robert.htm

[tjsprague]

Generally they were hung on racks and sprayed at the Lionel factory. The tinplate received a pretty thick coat of paint though.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comments. I did a little more research and was surprised that Lionel sprayed paint in the 1920's up until about 1928 then went to dipping almost exclusively. Then they began spraying again about 1935. I'm guessing the Hiawatha I have is from about '35-'36. Honestly, I guess it would have had to have been sprayed originally given the more complicated two tone paint scheme. Any other thoughts are appreciated.

Tim