Toy train operating and collecting

Among my favorite postwar Lionel trains are the magnificent F3s that Lionel decorated for the Western Pacific: nos. 2345 and 2355. I've written a long examination of these beauties as an exclusive entry on our Web site--these were the only F3s that Lionel did not use as the motive power of any sets.

Interestingly, the 2355 got a lot of attention on eBay over the weekend. Auctioneers Buz and Norma Ray, whose great collection was featured in CTT back in the January 2000 issue, offered three great items: 2355 A-A units, the boxes and inserts for those two diesels, and the master carton in which the boxed locomotives were packed in 1953.

To show the ongoing interest in the classic 2355s, the A-A combination went for $635.00; the boxes and inserts went for $561.50; and the master carton went for $326.21. Together, we're talking about nearly $1,600 for the combination of powered and unpowered WP F3s, boxes, and master carton.

This shows how strong the market remains for the finest of Lionel's postwar classics.

If you're attending the show in York this week, check out the prices of the 2345 and 2355 WP F3s that you see offered for sale. Share the information in our forum--and see whether prices go up after my new and exclusive article appears on our Web site.

Best of all, you can read about these WP locomotives and much more in brand-new articles posted exclusively on our Web site. Collectors of postwar and prewar trains are getting more than ever from Classic Toy Trains. Check out this new article on the WP F3s and let me know what you think. And tell me what you would like covered in the future. Thanks and keep checking our Web site under "Classics" Roger Carp Senior Editor

 While $1600 is an impressive number for a double boxed 2355 set, it is about 1/3 of what they were bringing in 1990/91.

I had a chance to buy a set of screen topped Western Pacific F3s a couple of weeks ago. The paint and noses were excellent, but the powered unit had a scratch on the roof. My being able to buy them was dependent on someone else buying them and selling them to me.

The person buying lost the deal over $50.00. 

I would have gotten the F3s, a 2020 with tender and a box full of post war rolling stock for under $500.00.

I've still got my dad's postwar WP F3's. They're in decent shape with the usual paint rubbed off in places from years of handling. They still run very nice and they are still in the original, although poorly conditioned, boxes. I love those engines. My goals for my dad's old Lionel is to see the WP's run around a nice track again and get the D-63 restored. When I don't know.

My copyright 2007 Doyle Guide lists the 2355 AA WP at $1800.- in EX cond, with no mention of boxes, so $635 seems like a bargain to me. Why anyone in their right mind would pay as much again for the boxes is beyond me. There apparently are still quite a few filthy rich self indulgent, or slightly demented  collectors out there to.

And I guess I should be taking better care of my boxes.

WP F3's are my hands down favorite postwar F3. Getting a set with complete nose decals can be challenging. They often show up with the roofs and frames spritzed with silver spray paint and repro decals. 15 years ago, Full EX  was getting around 1800. The prices have come down maybe. Hard to say. Prices fluctuate and price guides are not accurate. Good to see CTT is maintaining the "classic" side of the hobby with new postwar material. Keep it comin

Can some pix be posted of the locomotives so I can see what you all are talking about?

Thanx

 

What I find interesting is choosing to break the set up into three auctions.  I guess they thought there would be more of a market for the boxes than the engines.  You see it on ebay where somebody breaks up a boxed set like here, or chooses to sell E&T or AA units not to mention whole sets  seperately.  Any thoughts on this practice

Tom Cox

tcox009:

What I find interesting is choosing to break the set up into three auctions.  I guess they thought there would be more of a market for the boxes than the engines.  You see it on ebay where somebody breaks up a boxed set like here, or chooses to sell E&T or AA units not to mention whole sets  seperately.  Any thoughts on this practice

Tom Cox

 

The seller wants to see the winner of the first piece go into a bid war to get the second and third piece.

3railguy:

tcox009:

What I find interesting is choosing to break the set up into three auctions.  I guess they thought there would be more of a market for the boxes than the engines.  You see it on ebay where somebody breaks up a boxed set like here, or chooses to sell E&T or AA units not to mention whole sets  seperately.  Any thoughts on this practice

Tom Cox

 

The seller wants to see the winner of the first piece go into a bid war to get the second and third piece.

Yea .... the seller has no sentimentality for the art of collecting .... just that old make a dollar issue . Myself ... I could'nt break up a set like that and would feel guilty .... guess I love trains too much ... am I overly nastalgic ? Nothing like looking at an old - paint worn engine running around a layout 30-40 years old .... just the way she is . I run to and keep my eye on them more than a new shiney super advanced one . Just thinking of all the years of fun and enjoyment it brought little kids and old men .... if they could only tell their story ... they put alot of sparkles in the eyes of many !