Trying to Get Started

[Anonymous]

Guys,
I've had Lionel trains ever since I was a kid (I'm 39 now), ok alittle kid. I'm just now starting to take a serious interest in the hobby. I have some trains that were given to me as a gift in the mid 70's (2 steam locos & 1 DT&I NW-2 Switcher I believe) plus freight cars. Most of these cars have BLT-72 or 73 on them. I also have some of my Dad's trains which are of a denser plastic and have metal trucks/wheels and have BLT-42 , 47,48,49 on them.

From my brief research so far, I have figured out this must be the manufacturing year.
I'd like to find out more about the locos I have. I'm not interested in selling any of it I would just like to learn more about what I have. Is Greenberg's price guide the best source of info? I've checked the Lionel website and that got me nowhere. Some of the older stuff needs to be repaired and I like to learn how to do that as well. Would appreciate any advice you care to give.

Thanks,
kevin

[dougdagrump]

On the home page there is a listing in the far left column for tips/help. You might try looking in there for some repair help, and check the Kalmbach publications listings for more info on your trains. The Greenberg Guide won't give much info other than value.

[Chris F]

kevin,

It will help if you post the numbers on the locos and rolling stock.

From your description of the NW-2, it appears to be Lionel #8111, which was manufactured between 1971 and 1974.

For Lionel units built after 1969, I use Greenberg's Lionel Modern Era Diagrams and Parts List. Alternately, you could go to Lionel's website, www.lionel.com , and download the appropriate supplements. I hope you have DSL!

For Lionel Postwar units, you would want Greenberg's Repair and Operating Manual for Lionel Trains 1945-1969. I'm not aware of a website to download this information, but I never have looked. To me, this is THE book to have if you're into repairing PW trains.

Finally, for information on the modern era pieces, I use Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains 1970-1991, Volume 1, Motive Power and Rolling Stock.

Of the three books I mentioned, I found only the PW Repair Book available through this website. Try a) your library, b) your local hobby shop, or c) www.amazon.com .

[Anonymous]

A word abut the built dates. They don't always necessarily represent the actual year the model was manufactured. On older Lionel trains, they are often the year that particular train was first manufactured. For example, the Lionel Lehigh Valley 25000 hopper car was first manufacturered in 1948 and has a built date of 48 on it. That same car continued to be manufacturered into the late 1960's and still carried the built 48 date on it. I would guess, though, that your dad's set probably does date from the late 40's, but it was probably bought as one set in the same year. On more current trains, the manufacturers are putting built dates on that reflect when the real car that they're modelling would have been built. It wouldn't be very realistic for a model of a 1920's boxcar to have a built date of 2004 on it. In real life all frieght cars carry a built date on them.

Also, I should mention that Lionel trains are devided into different eras. Any trains made before WWII are called prewar. Anything made from 1945-1969 is called postwar. The reason for this is that during the war all trains were made of metal and production had to stop because the metal was needed for the war effort. Your dad's train would be postwar. The reason the postwar era only goes up until 1969 is because in that year General Mills (yes, the cereal company) took over the manufacturing of Lionel trains. All trains made after 1970 are referred to as modern era. However, for Lionel, the trains made from 1970-1986 are are also referred to as MPC. MPC stands for Model Plastics Corporation, which was a division of General Mills that made toys and that handeled Lionel trains. In 1986 Lionel was bought by Richard Kughn, who really did a lot to improve the company.

I hope this helps you out somewhat.

[brianel027]

Kevin, Check out this website: www.postwarlionel.com

This will give you some basic ground info on the older trains you have. Also check with your local library to see if they have any of the Greenberg volumes on Lionel trains. There are several books covering the various periods of Lionel. You'll want to see the Postwar book and the Modern era/MPC books.

Although there are some parts differences, all the trains you have a repairable if they are not too beat up. Basic parts are available for most items, though sometimes as reproductions. The plastic wheels on your 1970's vintage stuff are easily changable to metal wheels. Those are around $1.00 ea axle w/2 wheels. Though they can be had for less if you buy in bulk.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys, all this info is helpful. I appreciate it.

Kevin