What material is the platform for a Lionel 69 car made of?

[Anonymous]

I just bought an original 69 operating unit on ebay.
The platform is die cast metal painted a dark gray.
I've only seen these platforms in plastic.
Does anyone know if this is a original or reproduction platform?

Regards

Dave

[Anonymous]

Sorry I can't be of more help, but my data is not specific. It does not even identify the year, which it does for most items. That makes me think that it was issued in several years. It does say that it reverses with the rubber bumpers, and that there is a neutral in between the bumper positions. I would suspect that it was originally die cast and then reissued in plastic, but I'm a suspicious old curmudgeon.

[wrmcclellan]

Checked my old Greenberg's PW book and no help there. No mention of any differences/variations of the platform. Originally offered from 1960 - 1962.

BTW - it would be rare for a repro part to be offered as die-cast. The process and dies are much more expensive than plastic injection molding.

Regards,
Roy

[1688torpedo]

Hello Rocketman! I'm in the Lionel Collectors Club of America and a few years ago in the club publication there was another member with a #69 that had some diecast parts on it and this #69 was bought new in the Box from Glen Uhl's Train Shop in Akron,Ohio back in the early 60's.Glen was famous for his contacts with the old Lionel Factory in Irvington ,NJ and the car you have maybe something that originally came from Glen's shop that he might have had custom made to sell.Even though Glen is now deceased his son Robert Glen now owns the Train Shop and is still in business. Give Robert a Call,Tell him what you have and see if he has any more information about the #69 for you.(They advertise in CTT)Hope this helps out.........Keith