Requesting info on 1950-55 Lionel sets?

[Anonymous]

Hi, this is the first time I've logged onto this site, so please forgive any faux pas I make.

I am interested in learning more about the Lionel train sets made around 1950-55. I played with one as a youngster, and I've wanted another set like that for a long time.

The problem is, I don't know where to start. I know I want a steam engine; I'd like one of those milk cars where the guy pushes milk jugs out on a station, etc. Can anyone recommend a book or something to get me started on the right track? (No pun intended .)

Just as an aside, my brother still has the original set. Forty years later, and he still won't let me play with it. Some things never change, do they. :)

Debra

[Algonquin]

Hi Debra,

Welcome to the site. Kalmbach publishes collectors guides for post war Lionel trains, those made from 1946-1969. The "Greengerg Guide to Lionel Trains 1946-1969" should be available form most Lionel Sevice Station and here at the Trains.com site. These books can help you identify all the different pieces Lionel produced for trains in that time period as well as give current pricing.

Most of the Lionel Trains from the post war period are very collectable and command some rather high prices to aquire today in new condition. Silighy used trains that run well can be found for very reasonable prices.

If your just getting back into the hobby, I would recommend visiting a local Lionel Dealer of Service Station. They can provide you with a lot of information. Most sell both new and used Lionel and can show you how to set-up everthing and provide information on ways to get a specific piece you may be looking for.

The Lionel web site (www.lonel.com) has a dealer locator on it that can provide you with a list of dealers and service stations in your area. The site also has the Lionel 3 catalogs from the 2000 and 2001 posted so you can see the fabulous trains Lionel is producing today and the new technology in them.

I hope this information helps. Feel free to post any follow-up questions you have. We enjoy talking trains here.

Regards,

Tim P.

[Anonymous]

TRY YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR BOTH BOOKS AND MAGAZINES.... GREENBERG IS EXCELLENT BUT YOU MIGHT WANT MORE SOURCES...THE MONEY YOU SAVE COULD BE USED FOR TRAINS...GOOD LUCK...PAUL

[Anonymous]

Tim,

Thanks for all that info. That's just the kind of details I was looking for. I'm not expecting anyone to do my homework for me. I just need a place to start, which you've given me several!

I noticed, BTW, that Ebay has hundreds or even thousands of Lionel items listed for sale. Is that a good spot to go shopping, or is it likely one would get taken to the cleaners there?

Debra

[Anonymous]

Paul,

Thanks for the library suggestion. I hadn't even thought of that. I take it the Greenberg book is expensive. Maybe I'll see if I can find it on Ebay !

Debra

[Algonquin]

Hi Debra,

There is an article here on the Trains.com site that discusses buying and selling trains on the internet (e-bay). This is the URL for the article:

http://www2.classtrain.com/content/dynamic/articles/000/000/000/693pbwyu.asp

You can find some nice pieces on e-bay, but you must be careful. Not everyone selling trains grades them to Train Collectors Association (TCA)or Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) standards. Some sellers do a very nice job of properly representing a piece and it's condition. The above referenced article can give you additional tips.

Also, organisations like LCCA and the LOTS publish bi-monthly buy/sell journals where members can buy and sell from one another. I have found these to be a very good source to buy from.

Tim P.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Tim:

I stumbled across the LCCA Web site after I'd posted here, but I didn't hang around; I had to skedaddle. I thought I'd bookmarked it, but apparently not.

I certainly appreciate the tips about E-bay. Looking over the offerings there I definitely got the feeling some people knew their stuff and others didn't. That's why I want to try to educate myself before I go out there and either get what I really don't want or get taken to the cleaners on something I do want.

I *think* my very first step should be a visit to my brother's to beg, borrow or steal a close-up look at what he's got, since that's basically what I'm interested in replicating as much as possible. Maybe he'll take pity on me once he discovers I'm not coveting his anymore but have decided to get my own. I'm actually joking. We were avowed enemies as youngsters, but we buried the hatchet decades ago. It's just fun to tease him about things.

And I believe you alluded to the condition of the pieces, whether in pristine shape or somewhat used, affects the price. All I'm interested in is something that's in reasonably good shape that runs. I don't need original boxes and all that kind of stuff.

I certainly appreciate the good advice. Thanks!

Debra

[Algonquin]

Hi Debra,

Here is another good source for information on post war Lionel trains. They have photos and descriptions of a lot of Lionel pieces.

http://www.postwarlionel.com

Tim P.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Tim:

Wow, you are a fount of information! Thanks for the Web site. I'll check it out pronto. Already signed up for LCCA. Anxiously awaiting my first newsletter.

BTW, do you know anything about their annual meetings? Are they well-attended, etc.?

Debra

[Anonymous]

hi..maybe you would to see some trains before you buy...gats(gteat american train shows) produces shows in most large cities...www.gats.com paul

[Algonquin]

Hi Debra,

The LCCA's 31st annual convention will be held in Lexington, Kentucky from Tuesday, July 24th to Saturday, July 28th.

Each convention is very well attended (I am not sure on the exact number). The annual conventions typically include a get acquainted party, area tours, local excursion trains, Lionel semenars (usually with participation from Lionel) and a trading hall set up for Friday and Saturday trading. Many Lionel executives attend and participate in the convention. It is a great way to get inside information on Lionel.

LCCA also sponsers local meets thoughout the year set up by local members. These are usually one or two day events with a trading hall to buy and sell trains and a chance to meet other LCCA members. You will be getting details on these meets in the publications from LCCA. In addition to the big annual convention, there are local meets scheduled for September 15 in Wheeling, West Virginia, September 29 in Chattanooga, Tennessee and October 26-27 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Welcome to the club.

Tim P.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Tim:

I can see you are definitely the Go-To Guy for info on Lionel trains. I'd love to go to one of the LCCA meets, but I'm on the West Coast, and I can't just drop everything to go dashing off across the country to a Lionel train meet, much as I wish I could.

BTW, checked out the postwarlionel.com site. It sure was a blast from the past. First thing I looked up was the milk car. Yep, looked just like I remembered it. Now I'm *really* anxious to start getting my replacement train put together.

My husband doesn't know it yet, but I'm already trying to figure out a way to do a layout. I read the article on the ten things NOT to do when setting one up. I'll have to review the article several times, I'm sure.

I know there are some fairly serious collectors in my area; my husband was at the house of one one time. He said the whole house was like a Lionel store and had train tracks running everywhere. I guess model trains just bring out the kid in all of us.

Debra

[Anonymous]

Paul,

I'll check out that Web site. And you're right. I'm trying to avoid any impulse buying upfront, but educate myself first so I buy what I want at a reasonable price.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Debra

[Anonymous]

You may want to check out relatively recent catalogs of re-issued equipment. If you want to operate trains vrs collect them, the newer versions are somethimes improvements over their 40 year old counterparts. They may also be cheaper and run better than the "original" thing. Greenberg has also published reproductions of the catalogs in bound "sets". If there are specific sets/items you are interested in, the local library may have copies of these. Good luck and enjoy the hobby.

[Anonymous]

Hi, Chuck:

Thanks for the suggestion for the reissued equipment, but for some reason I want the "real thing" from way back when, even if it means learning how to repair them or, more likely, supervising while my husband does .

Debra