250 w tender. Hiawatha tender

Others here may have different opinions, but I consider the Lionel 250W to be rarer than other tenders because it was only paired with the 250E Hiawatha steam loco.  Other tenders, such as the 2265w and 2263w, were paired with multiple steamers, so more of them were produced. If you decide to repaint it, please be sure to attach a TCA "Identag" to it so it is documented as an altered tinplate item.

That looks like the tender was stored in an extremely cold location.   There have been several remakes of the 250e. I think mixing of new and old loco and tender is possible.

I have had several now , including the one, I am converting to 2 rail scale, and they all had the same issue. I often wounder why , after doing such a great job on the engine and tender, they cut corners on the paint.

Of course do as you wish, but take into account that if repainting the tender odds are it won't match the paint on the loco...?

@BlueComet400 posted:

If you decide to repaint it, please be sure to attach a TCA "Identag" to it so it is documented as an altered tinplate item.

Questions: are those "Identags" available to anyone, or just TCA members? Are those needed if you paint a piece in a color different than the original?

Mark in Oregon

Identags are for TCA members. Part of being a member of TCA is agreeing to accurately represent train items you are selling, and to document alterations (repaint, aftermarket parts etc.) by affixing a TCA Identag to the item. Unless you are a member, then I guess there's no "need" to document your items as being altered. To many tinplate collectors, having original, un-altered trains is important and the hunt for those trains is part of the enjoyment of the hobby, and buying trains from a TCA member should give a level of confidence that the items being purchased are accurately represented. To me, as primarily a tinplate collector/operator who prefers originals (as opposed to reproductions/restorations), that is one of the main benefits of TCA membership, which is why I buy prewar trains only from TCA members. Sure, there's always a chance that a TCA member would choose not to follow this rule, but at least you have a shot at accurate representation.

Hi.  I just bought the tender with no engine.  As for TCA membership I am not a member.  I like the design of the tender but the orange paint is falling off the tender.   Any ideas how I can keep the paint on it instead of repainting it?  

@traindork posted:

Hi.  I just bought the tender with no engine.  As for TCA membership I am not a member.  I like the design of the tender but the orange paint is falling off the tender.   Any ideas how I can keep the paint on it instead of repainting it?  

HMMM with such a large active area you might not be able to. I see lots of flakes just waiting to happen.

Rob I am thinking the same thing.   Just looking at it I think is making it flake more.   

Just repaint it! , its a lot less grief .  If you ever add the engine (most likely will have the same issue), repaint that to match your tender