correct me if I am wrong...

That's right Jim, an LR french tanker from the 50's. Couplers are the most simplify models adopted for low end sets as less expensive to produce. 

Very best,

Daniel

FRANCE

You don't see much Le Rapide stuff come up here in the states. Have only seen this coupler configuration on a Fourgon boxcar and the Marchal Brothers covered wagon. I assume the more expensive line used the French Hornby style couplers?

LR trains seems to be rare in your country, certainly never imported. The latest LR couplers on the better sets are illustated in the pictures above. This set is from the end of LR production in 1955.

Notice that from post war to the end LR has used a great variety of couplers, some of them can be mixed with Hornby or JEP, not all and none was very safe to use when mixed to other manufacturers ones. In France we are used to say about LR that it is a specific world, different from the others, smaller in size so doesnt match really well.

Daniel

FRANCE

Sold it a couple of years ago

You have sold a really nice set from around 1935; not comon to find in such a good condition and with the most nicest LR set box.

Just for fun some other LR pieces ....

Another set from the same period than yours,

The famous MICHELINE,

And to end, a curiosity, the train of the Acclimatation garden in Paris, the little people are die cast aluminum and inspired by a famous french cartoonist and illustrator, Albert DUBOUT. The train was made if i well remember in 1950-52. 

Daniel

FRANCE

Thank you for sharing Daniel. The Micheline was also produced by Marklin although much later than Le Rapide.