I recently got a Lionel 260E in pretty decent shape. It needs a couple siderods, some cleaning and a good tune-up, but looking it over, I can't figure out of the paint is original or if it was repainted at some point. Can you all tell?
The copper domes look like they were cleaned with steel wool, so I'll definitely be giving them a more appropriate polishing. As for the paint, if it's a repaint, I'll strip it and give it a fresh coat. If it's original though, I'm not sure. It's pretty scuffed in some areas, and I really want it to shine, but at the same time, I don't want to take off too much original material if I don't have to.
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Hard to say. It looks like some of the gold trim may have been freshed up, the cowcatcher looks a bit too new, so that may have been freshed up as well. The black base paint's got a bit of wear on it that I'd expect from an 80+ year old toy that's been played with, so that might be original.
Thanks! In the condition it's in, would stripping it down and repainting it hurt its value? I want it to look as good as I can make it, but at the same time, I also want to make sure I don't hurt its value as an original model.
That's very tough to say, and not being into pre-war I'm probably not the one to ask. I'm a bit surprised there's been no responses besides mine.
Personally, if I was shopping for a pre-war I wouldn't have a problem with buying one refinished in the spirit of the original with the correct color paints as long as it's so marked and completely functional, but that's just me. Others may not agree, so hopefully you'll get some more opinions on this.
Not trying to dodge the question, just being honest.
The problem is it's just so hard to tell. I agree that a lot looks original, but a lot has also been done. From a distance, viewing by jpegs alone, I think the black is authentic Lionel. But the appliances; domes, handrails, pilot; they look like they've had work done. Especially the pilot.
If you have a bit of denatured alcohol, and a cotton swab, you can test to see if the paint is oil based, which it should be for prewar.
Same me, different spelling!
Don't have much experience with prewar but even the black appears to have some touch up.
Banks, Proud member of the OTTS TCA 12-67310
Thanks for the tips! I don't have any denatured alcohol. Would isopropyl work instead?
I'm guessing denatured alcohol was suggested as a test substance, that is put some on a Q-tip and rub an inconspicuous area to see if the paint comes off. The original Lionel paint was tough stuff and hard to remove.
Isopropyl alcohol wouldn't work, it's not a solvent, although it can be used as a cleaning agent on dirty wheels.
Am I right, everyone?
I'm not reaqlly sure. Everything I've read says "denatured".
After more examination, there are quite a few areas that look like there were chips in the paint, and the black on top now was a fresh coat sprayed over. Looks like this one will be getting a full restoration!
Hey, if that's the case go for it man! And best of luck!
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