Lionel 2171W New York Central F3 A-A set from 1952 Final

Looks like Santa had too much "treated" eggnog and passed out on the roof. But the train looks pretty special. I think I'd keep it. It would be hard to again find something like this, complete with boxes,  anytime soon.  Lots of nostalgia packed into that set. 

For me I enjoy the chase, the work getting things where they should be and then it's off to the next one!

Beautiful set, good luck with your decision.

Dave: I think you need to keep it that was a great find and great job cleaning it up. Want to do my set ABA they need the same TLT. Opened up the power unit and the E Unit came off the mount fixed that and it runs pretty good but need to clean and lube it. 

Pennsydave, Wow, that’s a great find, beautiful set, and although I like the newer command sets, that’s a jewel of a set, I really like it. I would like to find a like new Postwar New York Central F3 AA set someday. I need a great conventional twin pulmor motored set to run on my layout. Thanks for posting your pictures here on the forum. Happy Railroading 

Gorgeous!

Peter

Oh yeah....keep it. You went through the trouble of rejuvenating....and you have a "find" story to tell about this train set.  Maybe let the next one go...not this one, as it is too early in the year?   Looks good, too!

PENNSYDAVE, I’m still drooling over your great find, it’s awesome. I also like your Christmas Tree, and really neat Layout. Happy New Year, Enjoy each moment. I have the Century Club NYC, ABA and it’s nice but there’s just something special about an original set in that kind of condition. 

Pennsydave,

You'd be surprised at the number of both #2344's and #2354's New York Centrals that come in to my shop for professional restoration. Most of them being in condition varying somewhere from "awful" to "horrid".

And most of 'em have battery damage.

While some collectors may argue that NYC F-3s are not rare, the fact remains that an F-3 AA set as pristine - and all original- as YOURS, is extraordinarily rare...

Congratulations on your new acquisition, and enjoy it in good health!

-Len Carparelli

I say keep !  Very sharp set !

If you sell it, you'll be hard pressed to easily fall into another like it...

I would say keep it!  My 1952 A-B-A NYC F-3's are the best operating engines I have.  They pull most anything, run smooth, keep a steady speed and can throttle down to realistic speeds. I had the "B" unit for almost 20 years before I found the AA units that matched the condition I wanted, were good operators, and I could afford.  I think if you let it go you will regret it.  RUN IT! that's my advice

Don

A beautiful  set like that. How could you even think "sell"?

If it were yours as a child or has sentimental value, I would keep it.

Judging from the auction catalogs of recent years, it would not be hard to replace and the values keep going down.

If I could get a good price, I would sell it and buy it back later with a set box for half the price. 

It's not being cynical, it's just reality.

I have 3 sets of about 20 pieces (none are rare or have boxes) of trains that are sentimental and I've never offered for sale.  I've been selling all the rest of my boxed postwar as fast as I can.

If you liked it enough to buy it in the first place and then found it to be in exceptional condition and cleaned it up, why part with it now? If you sell it, with what would you replace it at the selling price? For me, whether it's rare or not doesn't even enter into the picture. If I like it, I keep it. Just my opinion...

MELGAR