Lionel Standard Gauge Frames (Doler Zink?)

[AndyRS]

First post!

I am fairly new to the hobby of train collecting. I am most interested in prewar Standard Gauge. Recently, I purchased a 390E and I am in the process of cleaning it up a bit (gently washing the non-electrical parts with soap and water) just to remove old dust and dirt.

On the frame, I noticed the marking in the attached photo. I have a few questions:
1) Is this an original frame or a reproduction?
2) I assume the "390" number has to do with the engine model number, but what about the "20"?
3) Where can I find more information about authenticating Lionel prewar standard gauge?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[tjcruiser]

Here's some info from the Olsen's tech library on the 390E. Click on each individual image to open as a single-sheet pdf ...

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=972

Lionel individual part numbers were often AA-XX, where AA was the number of the loco, and XX was the number of the individual part, i.e., 390-20. That said, I had a quick look and didn't see 390-20 on the Olsens parts lists.

I'm not sure about the Doler Zink ... orig or repro???

Hmmm ...

TJ

[T-Man]

To get serious about train collecting, the experts belong to organizations like the TCA. One of the benefits of membership is information. They can be found recruiting at train shows. MTH is producing repros of Lionel Prewar. You can check their site for products.
Good Luck

[deboardfam]

Welcome to the forum! I am also new and cant help you much on your question.. but welcome! lol

[big ed]

Here's some info from the Olsen's tech library on the 390E. Click on each individual image to open as a single-sheet pdf ...

http://pictures.olsenstoy.com/searchcd31.htm?itm=972

Lionel individual part numbers were often AA-XX, where AA was the number of the loco, and XX was the number of the individual part, i.e., 390-20. That said, I had a quick look and didn't see 390-20 on the Olsens parts lists.

I'm not sure about the Doler Zink ... orig or repro???

Hmmm ...

TJ


I would "guess" that the frames part # is 390-20? :confused:

[tjcruiser]

Ed, that certainly would make sense. However, when I (quickly) looked at the parts-list on the Olsens site (and on some prewar Lionel spec sheets I have), I didn't see a -20 listed. That makes me wonder if the frame is repro???

TJ

[T-Man]

Google had some Doler Zink hits. Two casts lights posts prewar.

[AndyRS]

Thanks for the research, guys. I didn't know about the Olsen's site with the parts diagrams. Very nice site! No part #320-20, but there is no part number for the frame at the Olsen's site, either. I found that Google hit, too -- noting the prewar accessories marked "Doler Zink." That leads me to believe that my frame is the right era, at least. Maybe Doler was a contracter for Lionel?

I'm certain there's a TCA or TTOS member out there that I need to find who could answer my question. I know the TCA employs a librarian who could help, too, but thought I'd check here first. I'm curious about how these prewar frames were marked & prewar authentication, generally. I think this is one of those skills that collectors spend a lifetime perfecting.

Thanks again!

[T-Man]

There is more information out now than ever from ebay, and published catalogs. Purchasing parts is easy with the internet. Hopefully here we can give you a make and a year to get you started. :)