A recent purchase at my TCA Division Auction on Sunday. I saw the first picture only when the item was out for preview in the original box and was listed in the auction catalog this way. I was surprised when I got the car out of the box and turned it over. While I am not particularly worried about value I am curious if this is worth keeping on the car or not?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I'm sure there is somebody out there who would love to trade you a plain car for your autographed copy, straight up.
Not to take anything away from Nick Ladd as his contributions to K-Line, K-Line by Lionel and to the TCA are all noteworthy, but I was truly shocked to see Maury's signature with a date on the other side. The date really makes it interesting.
I think you've got to keep it. It's a real novelty and a conversation piece.
That's what I am leaning to as well. It is just different in an era of mass production and will certainly strike up some interesting conversation. I know the gentleman who put this up for auction so I plan on getting the story of how he got the signatures on it.
I agree, having the back story makes it even better.
You have a great collectible. Maury Klein, especially, is underappreciated for what he did with K-Line, and the furtherance of this hobby from the 1980's to the 2000's. I rank him up with Dick Kughn and Mike Wolf. Its a shame that the business model faltered for various reasons. His use of Marx and other molds for both trains and plastic buildings led to scores of whimsical, colorful products that enhanced 3-rail railroading. I look forward to a definitive history of K-Line under Klein, should it ever be written. 
I'd definitely keep it. While autographed trains are different from main stream autographed items the fact remains it IS autographed and by individuals who made a difference in the hobby and therefore an interesting bit of history.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
