Guide to Lionel Sets

It only covers cataloged sets. McEntarfers' (Greenberg Publishing) covers both cataloged and promotional outfits, like Sears and Montgomery Wards.

Ron M

Holy cow, prices for this guide are outrageous!! I never knew this book existed, so I just bought one on ebay. I have several prewar "department store sets" so this book should come in handy.

Thanks for posting this.

John

Check out this book on uncataloged 1960's sets.

There are shelf worn copies available in their online store at a substantial discount.

That's roughly half the price I paid for the prewar sets book. It will be a good book to own as I'm really interested in learning the history of the department store sets.

Just received the book a few days ago; great resource and worth every penny.

BlueComet400 posted:

That's roughly half the price I paid for the prewar sets book. It will be a good book to own as I'm really interested in learning the history of the department store sets.

If you got the Greenberg prewar sets book for $100, you got a steal! 

$110.00 + S/H

BlueComet400 posted:

$110.00 + S/H

You're lucky I missed that one. 

At the time I thought I was nuts for paying that much for a book, but the amount of information in it is priceless. It's a must-have for anyone trying to learn the history of Lionel sets and how / where they were sold. The first prewar set my Dad bought in the 60's never showed up in any catalog, but it's listed in the book as a promotional outfit, #21 special.

I still have one (at least) mystery set, a boxed outfit # 6521WX; it's not in the book, so I will keep searching.

They want $440 for the one listed now, and an Amazon seller wants $299. I won't pay that much. I see 4 that were sold in the last 30 days for under $125. I asked my library to find me one, and I see one at a library in central IL. It's just too far for me. I just need to be patient. 

Earlier book also had few pictures, Greenberg has better photos in it. I need to dig into my library and check for any duplicates of this and sell!

BlueComet400 posted:

At the time I thought I was nuts for paying that much for a book, but the amount of information in it is priceless. It's a must-have for anyone trying to learn the history of Lionel sets and how / where they were sold. The first prewar set my Dad bought in the 60's never showed up in any catalog, but it's listed in the book as a promotional outfit, #21 special.

I still have one (at least) mystery set, a boxed outfit # 6521WX; it's not in the book, so I will keep searching.

Well this closest I got, for data, is the 6521E (1936-37) consisting of a 262E/265T + 809, 831, 804, 807. Loco was 'black'.

What does your 6521WX have?

Ron M

ron m posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

At the time I thought I was nuts for paying that much for a book, but the amount of information in it is priceless. It's a must-have for anyone trying to learn the history of Lionel sets and how / where they were sold. The first prewar set my Dad bought in the 60's never showed up in any catalog, but it's listed in the book as a promotional outfit, #21 special.

I still have one (at least) mystery set, a boxed outfit # 6521WX; it's not in the book, so I will keep searching.

Well this closest I got, for data, is the 6521E (1936-37) consisting of a 262E/265T + 809, 831, 804, 807. Loco was 'black'.

What does your 6521WX have?

Ron M

That's pretty close!! My set has the same cars but the loco is a gunmetal 249E/265T. Other than a few nicks on the loco's cab roof, this set is in immaculate condition with all the boxes and outer set box.  Dad acquired it from another collector in a trade back in the 70's and it was one of his favorite sets, so I want to find out all I can about it. Thanks.  

Does that book include discussion of the Sears 8101W and 8102W sets?

BlueComet400 posted:

ron m posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

At the time I thought I was nuts for paying that much for a book, but the amount of information in it is priceless. It's a must-have for anyone trying to learn the history of Lionel sets and how / where they were sold. The first prewar set my Dad bought in the 60's never showed up in any catalog, but it's listed in the book as a promotional outfit, #21 special.

I still have one (at least) mystery set, a boxed outfit # 6521WX; it's not in the book, so I will keep searching.

Well this closest I got, for data, is the 6521E (1936-37) consisting of a 262E/265T + 809, 831, 804, 807. Loco was 'black'.

What does your 6521WX have?

Ron M

That's pretty close!! My set has the same cars but the loco is a gunmetal 249E/265T. Other than a few nicks on the loco's cab roof, this set is in immaculate condition with all the boxes and outer set box.  Dad acquired it from another collector in a trade back in the 70's and it was one of his favorite sets, so I want to find out all I can about it. Thanks.  

To qualify for the 'W' the tender should be a 265W or 265WX. There should also be a 167 or 167X whistle controller.

Ron M

Dennis Holler posted:

Does that book include discussion of the Sears 8101W and 8102W sets?

The  book has the 8102W but no 8101W.

The 8101W consisted of 229/02689W, 2655, 2654, 2659, 2657X.

Ron M

ron m posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

ron m posted:

BlueComet400 posted:

At the time I thought I was nuts for paying that much for a book, but the amount of information in it is priceless. It's a must-have for anyone trying to learn the history of Lionel sets and how / where they were sold. The first prewar set my Dad bought in the 60's never showed up in any catalog, but it's listed in the book as a promotional outfit, #21 special.

I still have one (at least) mystery set, a boxed outfit # 6521WX; it's not in the book, so I will keep searching.

Well this closest I got, for data, is the 6521E (1936-37) consisting of a 262E/265T + 809, 831, 804, 807. Loco was 'black'.

What does your 6521WX have?

Ron M

That's pretty close!! My set has the same cars but the loco is a gunmetal 249E/265T. Other than a few nicks on the loco's cab roof, this set is in immaculate condition with all the boxes and outer set box.  Dad acquired it from another collector in a trade back in the 70's and it was one of his favorite sets, so I want to find out all I can about it. Thanks.  

To qualify for the 'W' the tender should be a 265W or 265WX. There should also be a 167 or 167X whistle controller.

Ron M

I checked, and the tender is a 265W, and the whistle controller is a #66. I also found out some more info about this 6521WX. I took a closer look at the outer box, and found a sticker that reads "Quackenbush Co. Paterson, NJ." Quackenbush was a well-known department store in Paterson that was acquired by Stern's in the 50's, which then evolved into Macy's. So, for now, I think I can at least assume that Lionel put this set together for Quackenbush Department Store. 

C W Burfle posted:

Check out this book on uncataloged 1960's sets.

There are shelf worn copies available in their online store at a substantial discoun

 

 

 CW Burfle,

Thanks for the kind words.  It took me 5 years to research, photograph and write the Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969.  If we ever find earlier records, we will write those books as well.  The Prewar set book by Greenberg is a gem as well.

Best,

John W. Schmid

94-39512

www.projectroar.com

I would like to know if there was a set with exactly these cars.  Or are they parts of two sets or likely an individual addition.

 The baggage car was cataloged only in 1925-1927.

 I’d appreciate hearing from someone who c an tell me what sets had the 320 and 319 in those years.

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Can someone who has one of the books about sets help me with this ?  

Or can someone tell me where to find reproductions or CD of Lionel catalogs before 1930 ?

I'm have a possibility of buying a set of standard gauge passenger cars made up of

two 319 Pullmans 

one 320 baggage car

I would like to know if there was a set with exactly these cars.  Or are they parts of two sets or likely an individual addition.

 The baggage car was cataloged only in 1925-1927.

 I’d appreciate hearing from someone who c an tell me what sets had the 320 and 319 in those years.

The only sets in the book with that combination were 343/343e with a 380/380e engine in maroon. It was cataloged 1925-1927.

George

mlaughlinnyc posted:

 

Or can someone tell me where to find reproductions or CD of Lionel catalogs before 1930 ?

 

There were some excellent CDs available, but Lionel didn't renew the License. IDK if you can get them in the secondary market.  They were by HSL (Hybrid Systems Limited) and there are discs for Lionel Prewar, and AF Prewar.

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

Rob English posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

 

Or can someone tell me where to find reproductions or CD of Lionel catalogs before 1930 ?

 

There were some excellent CDs available, but Lionel didn't renew the License. IDK if you can get them in the secondary market.  They were by HSL (Hybrid Systems Limited) and there are discs for Lionel Prewar, and AF Prewar.

Would love to get my hands on the American Flyer CDs they offered before Lionel put the K-bosh on them. They do still offer a 1900-'32 Ives CD though. 

Jim O'C posted:

Rob English posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

 

Or can someone tell me where to find reproductions or CD of Lionel catalogs before 1930 ?

 

There were some excellent CDs available, but Lionel didn't renew the License. IDK if you can get them in the secondary market.  They were by HSL (Hybrid Systems Limited) and there are discs for Lionel Prewar, and AF Prewar.

Would love to get my hands on the American Flyer CDs they offered before Lionel put the K-bosh on them. They do still offer a 1900-'32 Ives CD though. 

The Flyer one is pretty helpful, but then we know much Flyer was uncataloged or did not match.

Jim O'C posted:

Rob English posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

 

Or can someone tell me where to find reproductions or CD of Lionel catalogs before 1930 ?

 

There were some excellent CDs available, but Lionel didn't renew the License. IDK if you can get them in the secondary market.  They were by HSL (Hybrid Systems Limited) and there are discs for Lionel Prewar, and AF Prewar.

Would love to get my hands on the American Flyer CDs they offered before Lionel put the K-bosh on them. They do still offer a 1900-'32 Ives CD though. 

I got the AF CD with 1907 - 37 from Port Lines about a year ago.  Doug Peck may still have some.  My sales receipt is dated 1-2-18 with a charge of $46 including shipping.

Timothy Sprague posted:

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

I see David (Dr. Tinker) whenever I need parts.  In the same way that you got the book you mentioned, I got Greenberg's AF O Gauge from him.  You're lucky I wasn't there firest or I might have gotten that set book.

Are you near Belmont ?  Maybe I could see your copy some time.

Malcolm Laughlin

Here’s an idea. Try your library. Maybe you could photograph the pages you need?

George

Malcolm, thanks for the lead on the Flyer CD. Ordering one today.

George S posted:

Here’s an idea. Try your library. Maybe you could photograph the pages you need?

George

Good idea.  A search of our library system (Minuteman) turned up postwas Lionel and G's guide to AF S gauge, so I've requested that.  I'll chack the other local library system and the Boston Public Library System which has lots of odd stuff - even Steam Powered Video atlases.

mlaughlinnyc posted:

George S posted:

Here’s an idea. Try your library. Maybe you could photograph the pages you need?

George

Good idea.  A search of our library system (Minuteman) turned up postwas Lionel and G's guide to AF S gauge, so I've requested that.  I'll chack the other local library system and the Boston Public Library System which has lots of odd stuff - even Steam Powered Video atlases.

Not in BPL, but they have three that I've never heard of

Whjat does anyone think of those last two ?

mlaughlinnyc posted:

George S posted:

Here’s an idea. Try your library. Maybe you could photograph the pages you need?

George

Good idea.  A search of our library system (Minuteman) turned up postwas Lionel and G's guide to AF S gauge, so I've requested that.  I'll chack the other local library system and the Boston Public Library System which has lots of odd stuff - even Steam Powered Video atlases.

My library does inter-library loans from all over the US. There is a search online that covers many US library contents. 

George

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

I see David (Dr. Tinker) whenever I need parts.  In the same way that you got the book you mentioned, I got Greenberg's AF O Gauge from him.  You're lucky I wasn't there firest or I might have gotten that set book.

Are you near Belmont ?  Maybe I could see your copy some time.

Malcolm Laughlin

 

I'm down on the south shore, Cohasset. But if there's ever anything you're looking to research let me know, I can scan applicable pages.

Tim

Timothy Sprague posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

I see David (Dr. Tinker) whenever I need parts.  In the same way that you got the book you mentioned, I got Greenberg's AF O Gauge from him.  You're lucky I wasn't there firest or I might have gotten that set book.

Are you near Belmont ?  Maybe I could see your copy some time.

Malcolm Laughlin

 

I'm down on the south shore, Cohasset. But if there's ever anything you're looking to research let me know, I can scan applicable pages.

Tim

Thanks Tim.  I'd like to meet you sometime.  Do you attend NETCA meets, or the Taunton show ?  I've been talking with the Taunton show people about having an operating Lionel postwar era layout on which attendees could run theirm own trains - anything they want to show of for others.  Or at the December Hub division show.

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

I see David (Dr. Tinker) whenever I need parts.  In the same way that you got the book you mentioned, I got Greenberg's AF O Gauge from him.  You're lucky I wasn't there firest or I might have gotten that set book.

Are you near Belmont ?  Maybe I could see your copy some time.

Malcolm Laughlin

 

I'm down on the south shore, Cohasset. But if there's ever anything you're looking to research let me know, I can scan applicable pages.

Tim

Thanks Tim.  I'd like to meet you sometime.  Do you attend NETCA meets, or the Taunton show ?  I've been talking with the Taunton show people about having an operating Lionel postwar era layout on which attendees could run theirm own trains - anything they want to show of for others.  Or at the December Hub division show.

waiting for the new NETCA board to announce the spring meet date/location. I did the December meet, it was a little slow, but the layout was a hit. At the TCA convention I found the availability of a layout for people to test engines sure helped close some of the sales. The Taunton show is in September, right? 

Tim

Timothy Sprague posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

mlaughlinnyc posted:

Timothy Sprague posted:

I had been wanting that Greenberg's Guide to prewar Sets for the longest time, but the prices were too high. I'd end up going over to a friend's house to use his well-worn copy when doing my research. Then about 15 years ago I was picking up a repair from Dr. Tinker's place and he mentioned he had a new copy for sale. I asked how much, and he looked at the retail price listed on the book, ($44.95) and said...."Forty dollars."  Now I too have a well-worn copy.

I see David (Dr. Tinker) whenever I need parts.  In the same way that you got the book you mentioned, I got Greenberg's AF O Gauge from him.  You're lucky I wasn't there firest or I might have gotten that set book.

Are you near Belmont ?  Maybe I could see your copy some time.

Malcolm Laughlin

 

I'm down on the south shore, Cohasset. But if there's ever anything you're looking to research let me know, I can scan applicable pages.

Tim

Thanks Tim.  I'd like to meet you sometime.  Do you attend NETCA meets, or the Taunton show ?  I've been talking with the Taunton show people about having an operating Lionel postwar era layout on which attendees could run theirm own trains - anything they want to show of for others.  Or at the December Hub division show.

waiting for the new NETCA board to announce the spring meet date/location. I did the December meet, it was a little slow, but the layout was a hit. At the TCA convention I found the availability of a layout for people to test engines sure helped close some of the sales. The Taunton show is in September, right? 

Tim

Thanks for the inquiry Tim.  I've been invited to the NETCA board meeting on Thursday this week.  There has been email discussion and if all goes well April 28 will be approved as the next NETCA meeting date.  I'm working on having a repair clinic and I plan to have a test track at my table with facilities for testing Standard, O
, O-27 and S gauge and accessories.

As for the meet being slow, this time we'll have two months lead time for publicity so should be better.  We do need to do a better job at scheduling.  Affordable venues in convenient locations close to Boston are hard to find.

I'll post an update after the board meeting.