Virginia,
Is the printing on the box red or black?
Darrell
If, after three and a half years, you are still looking for the 773-131 box for your engine, I have one in just about perfect condition. Believe it or not, I don't have the engine! I'm in the process of inventorying, cleaning and selling the large collection my husband had. I happened on your question while researching the 773-131 box. Virginia
I agree the 2426W is much more appealing than the 773W or 736W. However my motivation for purchasing a 773 with the 773W was the prototypical road name, which of course is New York Central. My grandfather worked for New York Central, in Detroit, from 1947 to 1968. So anything that bears that road name has special meaning to me. Hudson products makes a nice looking 2426W replica with the New York Central herald. I don't own one so I can't speak to its quality.
My 773 is the mid-sixties version, but with a 2426W tender substituted by some previous owner. I very much prefer it to the 736W or 773W. The fact that the tender is the version with the metal whistle that predates the 1950 773 somehow also appeals to me.
Has anyone ever noticed that, when Lionel enlarged the flanges, they skipped the wheels of the trailing truck, which runs on the same small-flanged wheels as its ancestor, the 700E?
Bob Nelson
John,
I can't remember where I read it originally. However the 773 description page at postwarlionel.com states, "although cataloged from 1964-66, it is believed that they were only manufactured in 64-65." I hope this helps.
Darrel,
Lionel production records exist for '64 - '66 for the no. 773X-1 in its own master carton. Also, 773X-1s were being made for Super O outfit no. 13150 from '64 - '66. Which publication are you referring to that said they stopped production in '65?
In my research, I always refer to the production records first, then catalogs, actual observations and third party sources (magazines, flyers, etc.). The catalogs do not always show when items were actually produced and sold. That is why it took me over four years to write my book. Most of the information I used never existed anywhere before and a lot of documented dates about when items were made and sold were off. This is why I love doing this stuff. Even after 40 plus years, there is still a lot of NEW stuff to be published.
Enjoy,
John Schmid
Author - Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969
www.projectroar.com
Thanks, very informative. I've seen a publication that states the 773W tender was added in late 1964 and a publication that states it was added in 1965. What ever the case it's a beautiful locomotive. I've also heard that although the 773 was cataloged 1964 through 1966 Lionel stopped the production of them in 1965. Any truth to that?
Thanks for your time,
Congrats that's a neat item.
In 1964, per the actual Lionel production records, a no. 773LTS came in master carton with an individually boxed no. 773X-1 and no. 736W-1. The X on the 773X meant it came without a Lockon. The "-1" meant it was individually boxed. Also note, per the records, it came with a 736W NOT a 773W in 1964.
The correct Interstate no. 773-131 box would have a "64" underneath its Box Manufacturer's Certificate.
My father and I acquired the Lionel production records at auction a few years back. We've used these to publish two new books: Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969 and the Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Postwar Operating Cars. These books list 1,000s of items and variations not documented anywhere else, including how to date boxes, Lionel's numbering scheme for items, boxes and suffixes, and how everything came packed. Just the type of stuff you, and many collectors are asking about.
Enjoy....that's a fun piece!
Thanks for the response. I suspected that was the case. With the exception of the Interstate 773-131 engine box, I have all of the contents that you would expect to be included inside of the master carton. The master carton, 773-131 liner, 773W tender box and instructions grade 9-. Prior to purchasing this set I'd looked at a few 773 sets that had the engine boxed inside the master carton. I couldnt' pass this one up because the master carton and the 773W boxes are bricks, and because the locomotive and tender are in LN condition. Lionel packaging is not one of my strong points so I wanted to make sure that Lionel didn't eliminate the box to save money in the lean 60's.
A few months ago I was very fortunate to purchase a like new 773 loco set with the master carton, loco liner, tender box....well everything except the interstate 773 loco box. The price was right so I went ahead and purchased the set. The seller stated that when the 773 (1964) was packaged in a master carton the loco box was not used. Is this true?
Thank You,
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