The (K)5437T set is easy to identify because it was cataloged at a time when Gilbert used the First 2 digits of the set number to identify the catalog year. So, your set was cataloged in 1954. It's basically the same set cataloged in 1953 as set K5329, the difference being that the 1954 set came with a transformer (hence the "T" suffix in the set number) and the 1953 set did not.
The correct consist of the set should include:
293 locomotive with smoke, choo-choo, pull-mor, and knuckle couplers
947 Northern Pacific Reefer
924 CRP covered hopper
925 Gulf tank car
929 Missouri Pacific stock car
933 B&O box car
930 illuminated caboose
From your description, it sounds like some cars are missing and others have been added. As it was offered with the same consist for 2 years, this is a fairly common set. It was the lowest cost set that included a die-cast steam locomotive. Prices vary widely, especially for relatively common sets. To the right buyer a near mint set might fetch $500-$600 today. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like that's what you have. You can check sites like eBay to get an idea of what a set in your condition might sell for. Two weeks ago a pretty nice example of this set (probably the 1953 version) sold for $189.99. That sounds about right. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Americ...rksid=p2047675.l2557
You can see the catalog listing for your set at:
http://www.myflyertrains.org/A...atalog_page18-19.htm
Good luck.
