665/2065 question

My original train set is the 2065 steam engine from 1956. There are no paint issues with it other than a few chips here and there showing years of being around the annual Christmas Tree. But then, I kept it stored with the original Lionel wrapping paper, then re-inserted into its cardboard box when I put the trains away. Always kept in a closet so it never got exposed to humidity or extremes of heat/cold.

Roger

I bought an almost-new 2065 from an antique shop about 6-8 months ago, hardly any wear on the rollers, and no sign of paint loss. Smooth runner, too.

this is what I'm seeing, It's mentioned in the auction about the paint loss on the roof. Some are as bad, some not as bad, but definitely more than a couple of chips. usually the size of a dime.

That's odd, none of mine are doing that.

and it's not everyone. There are a good amount with complete paint, but enough to concern me, and it's only the 665/2065s that I'm seeing this on.

Steamer,

   Dave I have noticed the same thing and don't know if there was actually a imperfect paint run on some of the old engines or not, however I have been considering purchasing one myself,  I do believe Dave over at Bill & Walts in White Oak, Pa has a nice one in his glass show case.  Might be a good idea to look the engine over closely before purchasing one, however these engine are old and if you find one in the shape you want, chances are it will remain that way indefinitely.

PCRR/Dave

I have my original 665 from 1957 and there is no paint loss on the cab roof.  Given that the missing paint is in the corner of the roof, my guess would be that the loco was dropped on the roof at some point and that corner bent.  Paint typically flakes off if that happens.  Sometimes the roof can be straightened out without snapping off, sometimes not.

Personally I would not buy this one.

I was thinking the same Bob, but looking at the pics of the ones with the large paint loss, none seem to have and damage to the corners. I saw one about a month ago that had a slight corner bend, and it had paint loss away from the bend. I'm leaning towards holding off until I can see one in person unless and really good deal comes along. 

Usually paint loss on the roofs is indicative of the loco being dropped and the roof bent.  The bend might have been repaired by applying heat and the repair almost undetectable.  The roofs on those castings are thin and easily bent.

BINGO!  Patience, is a virtue, and will always be rewarded.  Good hunting.

Richie

Just keep looking.  I've had 2, and no paint issues.  Good ones come up on the bay.  A long time ago John Cox (son of Al Cox) helped me when I was just starting to get back in.  He told me not to be anxious, and that what I wanted will eventually come around.

Alan

I purchased a used 2065 about 30 years ago which was in excellent condition.  Over that period of time I have operated it numerous times.  While not in use it sits on a shelf in a heated but non-humidity controlled basement.  It looks just as good now as did 30 years ago.  No paint loss whatsoever.  There are scads of them always being offered on E-bay so there should not be a problem locating a nice one. 

Lots of pre and postwar Lionel steam locos have paint chipped off of the roof. This is caused by them having been dropped at some time, 9 times out of 10 on the right hand corner! The 665 and 2065 are no more susceptible to paint loss than any others.

that almost always has been the case since I started into this almost 25 years ago. If a deal falls thru, I almost always find a better deal later on.

Yep... it was dropped.  The 665's tended to have thinner cab roofs, so they often had their corners bent at 90 degree angles.  Heat with a torch, bend back carefully, lose paint.  It's why they made Krylon Semi-Satin Black!

Jon