The more I learn, the more I realize that I have to learn more! Well, I finally decided to replace the boiler front on my 2035 (You know, the one I mentioned before that was an "airplane want-to-be") and started to look at ads. Seems like, the one I have has a keystone 2025 and is really a mis-matched front. The Lionel Library says that my engine should have either a 675 or 5690 keystone.
So are my questions: Do you think it is OK to purchase a reproduction since I'm really a 'player', not a 'collector', or should I search for an original? Also, if I had my choice, which keystone number should I select? As always, many thanks.
Is the Lionel Library published by the Lionel Corporation or is it an aftermarket put out by companies like Kalbach or Doyle's? I would go to a Lionel catalog for that year and see what the front plate looks like. I have a Lionel pre war set(I can verify it is 100% original) that has a tender that Greenberg's priceguide don't list with my set for that year, that is why I am asking who put out the library book?
I would leave the engines front boiler plate alone unless you have the time and money to replace it. A word about pre-war parts for a Lionel steam engine, # 224E, I replaced the cow catcher on the front and the part number was 224-3. The shell on my 224E has stamped on the shell inside it 224, most likely date 1940 to 41.
Lee F.
Your call, you will have a hard time to find an original. You might have to buy a whole boiler or a junker to get one. The reproductions are very good.
The #675 (O Gauge) and #2025 (O-27 Gauge) are identical except for the number stamped on the cab according to my Repair Manual. The Catalogs show the "Keystone" with the 675 (O) or 2025 (O-27) numbers. The complete Boiler Front is part #675-14.
The #2035 is , in the Repair Manual, a Magne-Traction version of the 2025. The 2035-100 motor has a revised Smoke Piston, Wheels and Magne-Traction. The 2035 has a 4 wheel Trailing Truck. Funny thing, the Boiler Front gets the number #675-32 even tho the Spring Clip, Jewels, Headlight Lens, and Lamp Holder all have the same numbers as the #675-14 Front ?
I think the 5690 number is the number on the real, prototype, locomotive. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Don U. TCA 73-5735
Lee F. I used www.postwarlionel.com for the information.
Don U. Thanks, so much, for the post. I'll probably go with the "repro". It's a great engine, pulls well and looks very good (except for the scrathes from the "flying experience" and one missing jewel).
Lionel catalogs are by no means reliable when it comes to what was actually produced. There are many examples of actual production varying in color, lettering, etc., from the corresponding illustration in the catalog -- never depend on the pictures there. Careful reading and comparison of the various guidebooks are necessary to decide what Lionel actually made.
Only thing with repro parts is I'd keep track of them in paper on on a computer somewhere, so down the road if you (or your heirs) sell it, you can accurately describe what is original and what parts are reproductions.
Martinden: Stix: Good points. Thanks.
When I was looking for a 675 and 2025 They all had different ones. Some were just black, some had the decal, some were just red. I have a 2025 with the decal and when I replaced the bulb the decal wound up on my thumb. I really don't think it matters. My 675 has had 3 replacement fronts due to my little enginer and his heavy throttle hand.
Personally I would go with the repro and the choice of number is yours. The reason is that it is yours and you enjoy running it and who cares what others think and say. Enjoy it.
John
martinden Lionel catalogs are by no means reliable when it comes to what was actually produced. There are many examples of actual production varying in color, lettering, etc., from the corresponding illustration in the catalog -- never depend on the pictures there. Careful reading and comparison of the various guidebooks are necessary to decide what Lionel actually made.
I can agree some with that but also some of the other manuels and price guides miss an item or two from each year. You also mention careful comparison of various guidebooks is necessary, as some guide books I have found leave out some of the actual Lionel variations. Classic example is the # 249E steam engine by Lionel from 1939, my set has a 2225T tender and one price quide lists it with either the 265T or 265W tender, and the 2225T is listed with the 238E steam engine. I don't have the set number but have all the original freight cars that came with it, one or two pieces missing is the transformer and original track.
Upon careful examination by most train collectors, that buy and sell, they can spot a reproduction part very easy. An example is the cars for the 6414 Evans car carrier, original cars are a quarter inch longer than the repros cars.
Follow-up:
Well today, two things came.....SNOW.....&.......New BOILER FRONT
I decided to go with a "Repro". Got one from Olsen's Toy Train Parts in Ohio. (Nice, Fast Service & Reasonable Price) For me, its "just what the doctor ordered".
As always, thanks for all your information and advice.
did you get an orignal style, or one of Olsen;s custom high headlight type? I've thought about getting a couple of those myself.
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
It is the original style. The repro is "pretty close" to the original and looks very nice. If you are a purest, which I am not, you will see that the clear lens is a "smidge" smaller. For me, it is just fine.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.
Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month