[BobS2056]

I would like your opinion of problem areas to look at before purchasing these Lionel items.

The seller states:

1) he purchased these items to resell, he seems to be a train guy.
2) engine wiring fabric was in bad shape, he replaced all with modern plastic covered wires.
3) engine runs good and E-unit works both forward and reverse BUT if bump in track, unit will reverse itself.
4) wheels on engine are in good shape, also all wheels on cars also are in good shape.
5) all lighting on cars is working
6) engine color is gray with red trim BUT rails on top of engine are yellow?

Any suggestions or comments welcome, photos to follow

Thanks in advance for all your help,

Bob

 

[T-Man]

Ok it is a 1930 set sold in 1930 for 22.50. The 251e are 325-375 in very good condition.
The 800 series cars starting with the 812 are large in size and may be awkward with some engines. The are higher up at the coupler. That is why you need the prewar catalog the 815 tanker comes in three colors over the years. Each car has variations. A lot of information. SInce they are large they cost more. I would pass it makes no sense to buy something at 400 and not know what you are buying.

 

[BobS2056]

Thank you @T-Man

Bob

 

[sjm9911]

T , look at the bottem, the black. Way to nice to be original. If I were a betting man, I would say its a repaint.

 

[T-Man]

I posted before the picture came on. It did come in grey1928-32. It is a good looking engine.

 

[BobS2056]

What do you think of the right side collector assembly repair?
Are replacement collector available?

Bob

 

[Millstonemike]

"3) engine runs good and E-unit works both forward and reverse BUT if bump in track, unit will reverse itself."

Is that the "pendulum" reverse unit? To quote another modeler: "The pendulum is a finicky device." You can easily lock it out to get reliable forward only operation. Or kit bash a replacement with a true E-unit.

The collector repair is good. If it ever needed replacement ... complete reproduction fiber plate / roller assemblies are readily available. It can be a little tussle to get it in but it's been done many times.

That's a really handsome tinplate loco. I'd go for it.

 

[Big Ed]

I would pass it makes no sense to buy something at 400 and not know what you are buying.

Where did you see the $400 part? I didn't see any price mentioned?

 

[BobS2056]

@Millstonemike on 11/14/20 Topic "251E" by Tepster you had posted a PDF pages 1 and 2 for parts breakdown, it lists 251. my question is 251E the same?
Would you have any other PDF's for service or parts for the 251E?

@T-Man I have 2 prewar catalogs coming from my library, one from Doyle, and one from Greenberg, I will post photos of them and you can tell me your opinion on which one to purchase.

Thank you both in advance for all your help,

Bob

 

[T-Man]

Where did you see the $400 part? I didn't see any price mentioned?

ED, Very good condition in Doyle is 325 plus 75 guess. Just to give a snip of value.
I always go below value because the condition is just good or worst.

Bob, I have not seen an updated Greenberg version. I am happy with the Doyle version, with it's pictures.
The Greenberg I got was from the 80's and black and white small photos. I do have their service manual.

The 251E has no diagram, it is a 251 with a three position reverse.

 

[Dieseler]

Have several 1 is just 251 with a wafer switch the other a 251E with pendulum switch like yours
There is on top of motor a little thingy for lack of better words that needs afjustment to stop it from bumping out of position and making contact to change direction when it hits a bump in track.

 

[Big Ed]

@Millstonemike on 11/14/20 Topic "251E" by Tepster you had posted a PDF pages 1 and 2 for parts breakdown, it lists 251. my question is 251E the same?
Would you have any other PDF's for service or parts for the 251E?

@T-Man I have 2 prewar catalogs coming from my library, one from Doyle, and one from Greenberg, I will post photos of them and you can tell me your opinion on which one to purchase.

Thank you both in advance for all your help,

Bob

What's he want for all of them?
Locomotive and all the cars?


**
Ok T-Man, The Bible , I don't really go along with any book price numbers, I think most estimates most are too high.
And I guess the what you said was just for the locomotive? Not including all the cars?

I look at the condition of them all to factor in a selling or purchase price.

 

[T-Man]

A visual comparison.

 

[Millstonemike]

@Millstonemike on 11/14/20 Topic "251E" by Tepster you had posted a PDF pages 1 and 2 for parts breakdown, it lists 251. my question is 251E the same?
Would you have any other PDF's for service or parts for the 251E?

@T-Man I have 2 prewar catalogs coming from my library, one from Doyle, and one from Greenberg, I will post photos of them and you can tell me your opinion on which one to purchase.

Thank you both in advance for all your help,

Bob

Sorry, The original Olsen's website only had those two pages on the 251 with the manual reverse switch.

 

[BobS2056]

Thank you T-Man for photos of comparison, and Doyle price book how often is it updated?

Big Ed seller is asking for $895.00 for all of them.

I will post photo's

Bob

 

[Dieseler]

Bob i do own those prewar pieces you listed, personally i would pass on them because i think person is asking too much.

 

[Big Ed]

Bob i do own those prewar pieces you listed, personally i would pass on them because i think person is asking too much.

I am with you on the price.
I wouldn't even offer half of that, but that is me.

 

[T-Man]

The big picture cats are not printed often but you can get yearly price guides. Then you might understand the seller. The 800 series cars are big and good examples of prewar tinplate. Picture cat is 2008 2nd ed and the Doyle price pocket guide is 2007.
The engine is around 300 in very good condition. I checked my books the Doyle.
The paper has the price range, So the tanker must be in excellent condition. Silver in color.
You can ask him the publication of his guide.
I have a Grenberg 2013, the gray engine is 195 to 350, good to excellent.
The picture cats have more information and the pocket guides just have values. A pocket guide is a must for the hunter and haggler.

They were a set I have no guides on that.
The set was 299e in 1930 with no tank car.

 

[BobS2056]

I never even looked at tinplate UNTIL I became a member of this forum, and at a train swap meet last month there were some in pretty bad shape, so I did not even inspect them.
Then I saw this set and it really looked good and caught my eye, so I spoke with the owner of the set, but was discouraged because of the solder repair on the right side of the collector, then afterward I posted here on the collector, and Millstonemike said the repair looks good, but part is reproduced if needed later.

T-Man the tanker car is 3 dome, pea green with a black frame
Stock Car has Orange Body pea green roof
Gondola car is looks grey with black frame
Boxcar is cream with Orange roof
The price list the seller used was exactly what was listed in the 2023 Greenberg's Lionel pocket guide that I have.

Now knowing all of this what do you guys think would be a fair price to offer the seller?

ALSO I am going to the same train swap meet (it is held every month by me) and I could look at tinplate for sale items and take photos and text or call if anyone is interested?

Thanks to all for you help, opinions, and suggestions

Bob

 

[T-Man]

One important factor is , WiIl you buy from him in the future?
Someone selling book means that anyone can sell at that price.