Old Trains Question

[Anonymous]

I have a friend at work who is into trains. He has a big layout and a lot of really neat (but expensive) new locomotives with all the latest electronic stuff in them. He had a box of trains and stuff that he didn't want anymore and said that I could have them if I made an offer. I offered him $100 and he gave me the box of stuff. In the box was an old metal Lionel boxcab electric locomotive #248 and a matching set of passenger cars #329 and #330. They are all orange. There is also a silver oil car #804 and a green gondola car #902 and a green caboose # 807 some O gauge track and a metal #020 crossing. They are in pretty good shape and the paint is hardly scratched at all. The couplers don't match the trains that I have now but I still think these old Lionel trains look neat. I am going to check the motor in the locomotive to see if it runs. It rolls when I put it on the train board at my place so I'll check it out tomorrow. The freight cars look OK but the caboose doesn't have those little brass covers on the axles like the other freight cars. It must be from a different set but the couplers match the other metal cars. I don't know much about these except that they are really old Lionels and my buddy said that they will run on my layout. Did I spend too much on these? Are there more different cars and stuff around like this?
Can you guys help me on any of this?

[Craignor]

Pease,

Sounds like you hit the jackpot. [8]

You now have a nice Pre-War collection of Lionel trains.

I have a similiar consist, a Lionel #252 olive green electric S-1 type engine and 3 passenger cars, 529 coach, 529 coach, and 530 observation. These type consists were sold as sets with track and a transformer and made between 1926 and 1932. Mine have been in my family the while time. The Greenberg's book values my engine and cars at about $365. You only have 2 cars so your set may be worh $250-300. Add in the switches, crossing and two freight cars, and you probably have over $500 worth of Pre-War Lionel in front of you. I know these prices are in the right ballpark because I see consists like ours at shows regularly selling for the same prices as above, or even up to $500.

Inspect the drivers on the loco, the flanges tend to split over time, I had mine replaced. My loco still runs good though, and I love running it too.

I would keep the set, and run it, or display it. It would look good under a Christmas tree.

Most train people I have had over to see my trains enjoy seeing my old tinplate Lionel trains more than my modern stuff that costs 3 times as much. People fall in love with the shiney bright enamel colors, bright bulbeous lights, and whimsical styling of these sets.

Here is a pic of my set, look familiar?[:)]

[Anonymous]

Wow! I just had to write back and tell you all this! I decided I couldn't wait until after work tomorrow to check my locomotive so I put it on the layout and turned on the juice and it actually runs! The motor was noisy so I cleaned it out with an old toothbrush because there was a lot of dust and stuff in it and I oiled it with some fishing reel oil I have and it runs really good. There is a small chip in one of the locomotive wheels but it doesn't jump the track or anything. I also made a mistake on my passenger car numbers. They are #629 and #630. The numbers are pretty worn off and they sort of looked like 3's. At least I remebered what the guy at ALFRA ENGINEERING told me about every Lionel number means something. Craignor my set is not quite as good as yours and it is orange with a more box looking locomotive but your cars look like mine. I didn't get any switches just straights and curves and a crossing. The crossing is green though like in your train set. Is this stuff really worth that much? My buddy didn't raise a stink about my offer he just said OK and gave me the box. He likes all new stuff and said he got those from a relative who was cleaning out their attic. Thanks for your help. I keep my train board up all year but I will work on it in the bad weather because I like to hunt and fish in the good weather. I also have to work a lot in the good weather because in the spring is when we do most of the new building and framing.

[Craignor]

Pease,

You are welcome, I am glad I could help you.

I just searched for my Greenberg's price guide, but couldnt find it.

Without the switches I still think what you have is worth $400 or over.

Next time you go to a show buy one of the Greenberg price guide books, or leaf through one and you can value your set using those numbers you mentioned earlier.

Your boxcab is a little different from mine on the exterior but its just a styling difference, these pieces are blood brothers, believe me.

Mine is scratched up a little too, thats the way they are, they are 70 years old for gosh sake, and were played with as toys, by boys, thats what they were made for. I think they are best left in original condition not repainted. Heck in 25 years these will officially be considered antiques, and worth alot more.

Yes, they are noisy, mine sounds like a coffee grinder when on the move, but thats the way its supposed to be, its the sound of metal on metal gears...no plastic in these babies.

Orange is cool, it was one of the original colors, there were several colors, and some were even sold in Department store liveries...Macy's etc.

Go to Google.com and enter "Lionel 248", I bet you will find some current prices, historical info, and pictures of other 248's.

[nitroboy]

Why don't these things ever happen to me???? You got a very good deal. If you want to keep that 252 running for more years to come, I would have it looked at by your local train repairman, or if you can do it. Check the wires and motor brushes. Those old engines probably haven't had a good cleaning in 60 or 70 years.

You Lucky Dog

Dave

[cnw1995]

Congratulations! I have a 248 and the 629 and 630 in red and cream. They are neat to run. I'm trying to get them fixed up to run better. See http://condor.depaul.edu/~dmurphy/pictures.htm