I recently acquired some well used trains and discovered that the engines and cars would make up 2171W set from the 1952 Lionel catalog, shown below. I was interested in learning anything about the rarity or value of this set. I have everything but the set box of course! I realize all four of the operating cars are all extremely common.
The pages showing the set from the catalog:
At any rate I have started cleaning and lubing the items and thought it might be interesting to show pictures as I move along. I have not had much experience with the dual motored F3s. So far I have only 'restored' the body of the dummy A unit. Picture comparisons are below.
One partially restored dummy and the unrestored powered A unit.
The below shots shows the difference between the two:
The dummy A unit body completed. Only the port holes had to be replaced, they were missing and are reproduction port holes, not original types. The engines are both in very good condition and complete except for the port holes. They just need some TLC. I was surprised how good the original paint is after cleaning. Thank goodness I did not have to try to recreate that paint scheme!! All the decals are still very good too.
That's the first installment. I will update as I redo the powered unit but I still have to clean and lube the chassis of the dummy. Fortunately all the pieces are there, all the proper screws etc. I believe this set spent more time sitting in boxes in a damp basement than actually being used. It's amazing how well you can clean these engines up, considering they were manufactured about 70 years ago!
While the Post war market may be dying, I am just starting to really appreciate it!!
