Santa Fe 1951

[Anonymous]

All railroad locomotives and cars have an identifying number. This caboose was actually made in the early 1950's, but the number corresponding to the year is just a mere coincidence. Freight cars do always carry a built date, though, and many toy trains do as well. These could be found on other cars you have. These are always quite small and will say something like "BLT 7-48". On older toy trains, this sometimes refers to the date that that model was first introduced, but in other cases, and on virtually all modern model trains, the built date is that of the real freight car it represents. I wish you luck with your restoration, but fear that it might be difficult. Trains like this one are lithographed with ink - not painted - and once the original lithography is gone it is impossible to return it to its original condition. Dirt and grime are never a problem and are easily cleaned off. Rust, however, is an entirely different matter. If the rust is on the wheels or base, restoration is possible, but if the lithographed surface is rusted, it is unlikely that it can be returned to its former glory. Don't let me discourage you, however, as I personally have not seen just what kind of condition these trains are in. Depending on how much rust there is and how thick it is, it could be made to look presentable.

[Anonymous]

i have can into the ownership of a few trains. the are badly weathered but i think i can refinish them. my question if i have a marx santa fe  A.T.& S. F. 1951 caboose does it mean it was made in 1951 or was that just part of the print. the train has rust but it has a great paint job . orange color with the black santa fe logo a window box on top of it and a black roof. can anyone give me information on this caboose.