Need help to ID vintage Lionel

csxt30

Member since
December 2004
3,176 posts

Posted by csxt30 on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 5:43 PM

Going by the pictures, my 2nd.edition TCA Lionel Book Committee, book shows it looks like a 153, 154, & a 158. Those were built from 1921-1923. Now it also looks like a 700, a 701, 706, 728& 732. Those show being built starting in 1915 & 1916.

Thanks, John

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envfocus

Member since
August 2006
From: Hudson, WI
301 posts

Posted by envfocus on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 5:26 PM

I agree with Mitch's suggestions above. Also, measure the length of the body of the passenger cars (do not include the couplers). They should be either 6.5", 7", or 7.5" long. It will help date your pieces. The engine and cars all appear to be pre-1930, but good side pictures of each along with a description of any lettering or numbers would be all we need to help you identify your pieces.

The signal appears to be the Lionel 69 Warning Bell. The signs should read "Railroad Crossing" for the horizontal piece and "Look Out For The Locomotive" on the diamond. They were made from 1921 through 1942 and when first introduced in 1921, it was the first track actuated accessory Lionel offered. Yours appears to only have one bell (unless one fell off). If it is a single bell unit, then it was made sometime between 1921 and 1926. Two bells were the rule after 1927. The lattice post was painted green and the lettering may have been in black or red. In excellent shape (which unfortunately yours is not) I've seen these bells go for around $50.

Take Care......RJ (TCA 07-61869)

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kpolak

Member since
March 2006
From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
2,306 posts

Posted by kpolak on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 5:25 PM

I've seen a few of these on eBay. Mind youI'm not a pre-war guy....

The engine looks like Lionel 152? 158? try a search on eBay for lionel prewar engine...It's hard to tell what you have, but maybe these pictures will be helpfull.

Kurt