Clean up new purchase

I don't think you can go wrong at $50 based on how good it looks in the photo. Lube it up and throw it on a test track and see if it'll run. 

Be aware that some of the paints Lionel used will rinse off with plain water. Their red paints were particularly susceptable.

If the trains aren't too dirty, then I would recommend against cleaning them.

I wouldn't use water on the Baby Ruth or the Sunoco Cars. Just my opinion.

Definitely a set manufactured prior to WWII.  Should clean up well...just use some water and a very mild soap with an old toothbrush, then dry thoroughly.  A little automobile pastewax can put some shine back on that sheetmetal lithography, just don't rub too hard.

What's the locomotive number?  Looks like a 1684, perhaps...

PD

That is my first set that still runs that I got for Christmas 1939.  It was $9.95 I believe.  That was about a days pay for my dad then.

Nice looking set.  I think you got a good deal.

Al

That is a nice find. I just bought a 238E from Barry's Train Shop, new wheels, pickup roller plate, I think it was professionally repainted in gunmetal, or else it is remarkable well preserve. I had to clean the brushes and brush plate, clean and adjust the E unit, and a general lube and oil to get it running in the tin plate tradition. The whistle tender needed a drop of oil, nothing more. A nice smooth runner, and looks good with my O gauge Blue Comet cars.

Sunrise,

The cars are litho, you could almost wash them in the dishwasher (I AM NOT RECOMMENDING THIS) and still be safe.  A soft rag, dampened, will take off 99% of the dirt and smudges on the  cars.  The loco shell can be removed and cleaned under warm water with a soft toothbrush (just don't touch the numbers on the side of the cab).

The dark journals and latch couplers make this a late set (post 1939), and likely a "special" made for a department store. At this time in history Lionel was making tons of specials with left over latch couplers as Lionel had gone over to box couplers in 1936 for all of the regular line.

You did great at $50 if it is as clean as it looks... clean sets properly presented can go for $100-$150.