Lionel cardboard animated display

[Anonymous]

Last week, at a train show, I bought a reproduction Lionel "conductor" cardboard display with a swinging arm holding a lighted lantern. In his other hand is a round Lionel sign on a wooden pole. It stands 3 1/2 feet tall. The artwork style looks like the origional was made in the 1930's. The motor for the arm and lantern bulb runs on 3 flashlight batteries. Anyone have any info or reference on this? I can't seem to find any. Joe

[Bob Keller]

I think it was by Robert Salerno, DBA Classic Replicas. We ran photos of two animated displays, an engineer and a Lion, in the May 98 product news. Original retail was $99.

[Chris F]

You're right about the artwork - Lionel sold this display in the late Prewar period. It was cataloged in 1995 (12887) but never made by Lionel. Apparently someone thought there was a market!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ogaugeoverlord

I think it was by Robert Salerno, DBA Classic Replicas. We ran photos of two animated displays, an engineer and a Lion, in the May 98 product news. Original retail was $99.

Although 1988 is a "gap" in my CTT collection, I think the 2 you refer to were origionally 1950's displays. My guy is definately not an engineer, but a conductor in a dark blue suit and striped tie. He is shown in profile. Joe

[Bob Keller]

I'd forgotten about the conductor display. All Salerno sent in for photography were the two enginner animations. I took another look at the May issue and found that his ad on p.38 of that issue shows the conductor as well - original price $149. About the same time he also reprod a Lionel countertop catalog display (a display that held catalogs for the kiddies to pick up).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Ogaugeoverlord

I'd forgotten about the conductor display. All Salerno sent in for photography were the two enginner animations. I took another look at the May issue and found that his ad on p.38 of that issue shows the conductor as well - original price $149. About the same time he also reprod a Lionel countertop catalog display (a display that held catalogs for the kiddies to pick up).

Thanks for the info. I ordered this issue of CTT. Guess I was lucky to get this display for $59. Wish I could find the other 2...Googel and eBay search came up with zip. Joe

[Anonymous]

Well, I got the back-issue of CTT, called their phone number, and...disconnected. Ran a Google search and came up with....this thread. Guess I'll give up finding the "engineer" version and be glad I got the one I did get at the train show. Joe

[Bob Keller]

Post something over on the OGR forum. I believe that Salerno occasionally advertises in OGR, so they may have a more current phone number, but it is probably safe to say they are sold out at this late date.