Help identifying pre war army train...

7893 Views 45 Replies 7 Participants Last post by tjcruiser, Jul 26, 2012

smpldezine

Discussion Starter · Aug 2, 2010

Hello all, I am new here and I do not have a huge collection but have inherited my grandfathers Lionel "army" train set from when he was a child. I am guessing pre war but can not find any information on this set. Can anyone tell me a model number or where to even start with this set please? Should I try and restore it, sell it, keep it? I have the transformer and original 0 gauge track with it as well. The bottom half of the box was destroyed but have the top half as pictured. TIA :thumbsup:

- Ryan

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Big Ed

· #2 · Aug 2, 2010 (Edited)

smpldezine said:
Hello all, I am new here and I do not have a huge collection but have inherited my grandfathers Lionel "army" train set from when he was a child. I am guessing pre war but can not find any information on this set. Can anyone tell me a model number or where to even start with this set please? Should I try and restore it, sell it, keep it? I have the transformer and original 0 gauge track with it as well. The bottom half of the box was destroyed but have the top half as pictured. TIA :thumbsup:

- Ryan

You could get big bucks for it.
This guy made one.
Look at the bottom of this link.
http://www.toycollector.com/index.p...egory&id=97&Itemid=419&limit=30&limitstart=30

SAVE THE BOX DO NOT DESTROY!

I can dig up more later, got to go to work.

Don't restore the paint just cleanup the engine and lube it. Does it run? Watch the transformer wire as it is old.

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Big Ed

· #12 · Aug 3, 2010

smpldezine said:
Thanks! I have not tried to run it since the wire out of the transformer is very old and brittle. I did find that info and was the ONLY info I found. I would just like to get in touch with the right person I guess and not just any local train shop around my area. Any tips on removing rust? There is a very small amount on the one car wheel. Thanks again Ed...

Just got home from work 13hrs! And I got to get up early tomorrow!

I have seen just one on e bay and it was only the tank not the set GO FOR BIG BUCKS!

I guess I don't have to say much more as everyone else beat me to it.

Keep checking back I am going to try to dig up some more to add to the post but I don't have the time right now.

The rust? I say it would not hurt but help if you take some wd-40 and rub it on your finger and apply it to the rust on the wheels. It would help stop further rusting. Don't try to clean them if you don't know what your doing.

I can't remember how much just the tank fetched but it was a good buck!
And you got the set with the box!

Watch out for appraisers too, especially if they offer you money. I would keep them if I were you. If your young another 10, 15 years they will be WORTH A LOT OF DOUGH!

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Big Ed

· #26 · Aug 3, 2010 (Edited)

smpldezine said:
My parents have a PO Box if it comes to that I would use. I called the National Toy Train Assoc and they were very helpful. It is #203 and not 154 and both cars are #900. They recommended I get the Greenburg pocket price guide to Lionel trains 1901 - 2010 so I just ordered it. Should be here by the weekend and I guess I will go from there. That's a great idea about investing in another train to pass on and good point. I will def search for a pre '70 set though. Thanks again for the help everyone!

Greenbergs 2010 guide
Tank #203,$1100 good shape /$1800 x shape
Ammunition cars #900, $120/$340

And you got the box. Box might go for $500 alone. Yes you can't go by the guide as t says,
BUT LET ME TELL YOU IF YOU GET THE RIGHT PERSON, I CAN SEE THIS SET GOING FOR $3000 AND UP!

BUT IF YOU HOLD ON TO IT YEARS FROM NOW IT WILL BE WORTH TRIPLE!:thumbsup:

If you sell it or post it on e bay please lets us know.

I would keep it !

As T says you can't all ways go by the guide but I have seen stuff listed for $60 and go for $160. All depends on who's bidding.

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Big Ed

· #28 · Aug 3, 2010

smpldezine said:
Guess I should waited on buying the book haha too late now. Thanks for the info, thought it'd be much higher than that since it is so "rare". Guess I'll be hanging on to it.

You are not going to pay for the wedding and the house!:laugh:

Is that all you got? The Tank and 2 cars and box? Or do you have more?
Track and transformer not worth that much.

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Big Ed

· #36 · Aug 4, 2010 (Edited)

smpldezine said:
I know I can't pay for both but it would have been nice to help with our wedding. It's going back under lock and key until I find the right buyer. I'd also like to know how Greenburg came to that price... the two shops I took it to yesterday could not give me a value on it.

I do have the track and transformer as well but like you said, not worth too much.

I was going to offer you $500 in my first post before I said anything..

I'm all ways looking to steal a deal.:laugh:

If I were you I would keep it and set up a small track to run it. Or build a little diorama to display it. A small piece of track a couple little hills and some army men UNDER A GLASS TOP would be nice!

If you and your future are planning on kids, it would make a nice item to pass on from dear old Grand dad. (keep it in the family:thumbsup

And since it is rare now ,wait 20 years from now and see what it will be worth.

He is watching right now to see what you will do.

One note, even though yours looks in fairly good shape. It is far from being in excellent shape. And even if you restore it some won't touch it as they want original.

Build a small diorama under glass to display it and hang on to it.:thumbsup:

Keep grand dad from haunting you!:laugh:

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Big Ed

· #41 · Aug 7, 2010

tjcruiser said:
Per my question to Ed (and others) above, I'm wondering if the model train collector's market (dollar value) peaked a few years ago, and then has settled out, or even come down a notch as:

a) the overall economy has taken a tough turn, and

b) our older generations that compose a large percentage of collectors are sadly dying off, with their prized collections hitting the market en mass, lowering overall prices.

Just a theory, on my part, but I would welcome agreement or dispute from others.

I do think than any market lull is temporary, and that as the economy picks up, and a newer / younger generation of collectors gain interest, the overall valuations will rise.

My thoughts, anyway ...

TJ

From my dealings on e bay, the trains are going for more now then a year ago. At least for O gauge.

I have seen some ridiculous prices paid for some stuff that was not worth the money.

The starting prices seem to be creeping up too. Though I am not saying all gets sold as a lot of items are getting re-listed.

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