217 BM Alco, to restore or not to restore

[kopeck]

I have a 217 Alco (Boston and Maine) A and B units. The A unit is in sound running shape, no broken pieces etc, but is faded badly on one side and is missing a lot of the black paint on top. The B unit it is VERY good shape, little to no fading, the paint looks great etc. AFAIK it's the original set, so i have no idea why the A unit looks so aged but the B unit is so good.

Anyway, they look a little odd, but would it be in the better to leave the A unit be, or put it in some one's capable hands and try to make the A and B look the same?

Thanks,

K

[wrmcclellan]

kopeck,

This is really a personal decision for you. What do you wnat to do and if you have it restored, make sure the job is a quality job or you will have something worth less than its present condition.

L&L Screen Printing at 210-438-1266 does quality work. I have friends that have used him and his stuff displayed at York is very very nice. They do not have a web site.

Good luck!
Roy

[daan]

I don't know the value of the boston and maine alco's, but as many others only the nice and undamaged pieces are worth something to think about. As soon as it is looking like trash, probably the price will also be like it. You could see if you can find a not running or not motorized a unit and use the shell to get it done or may be a loose shell.
But if you want to give it a respray, why not?
I had a badly damaged Illenois central GP, dirty, missing parts and not running. In that state value is not the big issue. I repaired it with materials I could find to match and resprayed it in a color I liked. That way the value for me (not for others probably) is higher, since I now can use the unit and I'm satisfied with it.
But I'm not an expert on the value of toytrains, so better check that out first.

[1688torpedo]

Hello Kopek! Sounds like your B&M Alco's are worth restoring as they are somewhat hard to find and have not been reproduced to date. I say go for it!

[philo426]

Since the A unit is not in collectible condition I would say to have it re-painted to match the b unit.You could try to find another vB&M alco on e-bay but it may be expensive.Jeff Sohn does great work at a reasonable price.

[kopeck]

Lots of great info.

This is nothing I plan on rushing into, but more infor for down the road...

Thanks,

K

[kopeck]

I took a few pictures tonight just for for the heck of it...





Just rub wear and fading.

Some day it may look like the B unit!

K

[philo426]

Yes it needs re-painting it should be blue not green it must have been exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

[otftch]

It's your train.If you are looking to sell it you might worry about restoring it but if you are not happy with it,who will be.People seem to place to much value on what a train is worth. It is only worth as much as you can get for it. Why not just sit back and enjoy your trains.The hobby is a lot more fun that way.
Ed