Help on Lionel Promo Set

https://www.google.com/url?q=h...Td42ncsDoPace0I42S6u

This may help.

Also, according to David Doyle's book it is a 027 catalog set from 1956.

came with a 1053 60 watt transformer.

aka as set 1553W.

John,

Joe is correct with the above info.

The 706 number was the "department store" number for the 1553W set. In the mid-1950's (about 1955-57), Lionel produced identical sets with two different series of numbers on the set boxes. This was done to prevent easy comparisons between product lines, now that price discounting was becoming more prevalent.

TRW

Thank you both.  That is very helpful.  I think the set shown on Live Auctioneers may be incorrect with the crane car (and missing work caboose). Unfortunately, I can't tell from this set what might be missing since the entire set of trains from the 2219W set was nowhere to be found.  That's why I was wondering if the 706 set might have had an extra car like the barrel car or search light to distinguish it from the 1553W set.  Both those cars seem period correct and it would not be unusual for Lionel to offer an operating car in an uncataloged set to distinguish it from the regular catalog set.

John

It may be useful to note that starting in1955 Lionel began asking dealers to make up their own sets for customers as well as sell pre-made factory sets. In fact, to my surprise, that is what my childhood set turned out to be. 

I had asked for a small o gauge set from what turned out to be the 1953 Lionel catalog which had been given to me in 1955 by a family friend. Naturally, I didn’t realize that it wasn’t still current, so when my folks went to get me the set I wanted, they found out it wasn’t available anymore and had to have the dealer make up something similar for me. Actually, what I got was comparable, but also entirely different from what I had been drooling over in the old catalog. The loco I had asked for was the #685 but that had been superseded by the new #665. The same model,  but by then with a feedwater heater added to the front.

Naturally, I was pleased with what I received anyway!

Oh, and I had asked for a model “TW” Transformer but got the new in ‘55 “LW” model instead which was very nice and did the job, too. My folks threw in plenty of O gauge track and a pair of manual switches, as well, so I had plenty to keep me occupied on my 5x9 foot layout. I picked up a few Plasticville buildings after Christmas, too  

Sweet memories of a gentler time.

Agree with most above.  Set 706 was not a promotional set but a catalogued set from 1956. It would have been provided to both service centers and retail stores "as is" however it is always possible that a variation, especially from some big customer like Sears, would have a variation and carry it under a different number.   I checked the Ambrose and Algozzini book on "Uncatalogued Sets" and saw nothing that included the Mlw GP for Sears, Spiegel, Montgomery Ward or JC Penny and 1956 really predates the huge promotional thrust of the 1960's.  Set 706 included the 2338 Mlw Road GP-7,  6464-125 NH boxcar, 6346 Alcoa covered hopper, and 6257 SP type caboose. Also included were eight curved and three straight track, 6019 uncoupler section and a 1053 60-watt transformer.  Paul V Ambrose in his book "Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1945-1969, Volume III, Sets"  has other information on this set which has to do with the variations in the boxes and packaging.  It apparently came in at least 3 variations.  Too much to type here but if you need it I can send it.

Don

ok, back from the TCA show in Raleigh.

According to Doyle, ha ha, the 706 set had

2338 milw. gp-7

6464-425 nh boxcar

6430 flat/vans

6462-125 red gon.

6346 Alcoa covered hopper

6257 sp caboose

8 1018 curved

3 1013 straight

6019 remote track

all 027

1053 60 w transformer

Thank you all for the help.  In 30 years of buying collections, I did not know that some later sets came with three digit set numbers and were the same as some four digit set numbers.  I guess I must be the blind pig finding an acorn!

I'll clean up the set a little and get it ready for the Montvale show on the 15th.  I already have all of these pieces and I don't really collect boxed sets.  I'm sure someone else will appreciate having it.

John