Lionel 773

check this website;  http://www.tandem-associates.c..._trains_773_loco.htm 

1950

Some easy things to check: If you are dealing with an all original 773 then you can also check the boiler front. 1950 there was no support under the headlight. The support is sort of wedge shaped and sits between the bottom of the headlight and the shelf under the headlight. The support is found on a 64 - 65 boiler front. You can also look at the cab number. Small silver rubber stamp numbers that have oxidized are 1950. Large white rubber stamped numbers are 64 - 65. Large white numbers that look like they were painted on with thick paint have been rumored to be 1970's Madison Hardware workmanship. Lots of left over 1950 parts went into the 64 - 65 hudson. So looking at motors and e-units doesn't help. If someone starts talking about

variations - walk away. You don't want anything that has to be explained as it will work against you later. These engines are fairly common today when compared to 15 years ago. Unfortunately the bottom has also fallen out as far as value goes. Only LN or better in all original boxes will command top dollar.

Thank you bigo426 for that description.  I also have the 773 and you have finally confirmed the year with your reference to the support under the headlight.  I could never distinguish the additional valve guide cover molded to the front of the steam chest. 

I happened to purchase mine, about 7 years ago, at an estate sale without any competitive bidders.   Very lucky, it was completely unused.  Zero marks on the drivers and pick-up rollers and I deem that to be because the original owner, not knowing how to repair it, simply put it back in it's box.  The pick-up roller lead was not soldered to the eunit.  I am assuming it came from the factory that way. 

That being said, it is well used now.  I wanted this engine because it is scale, a great runner and one of the few post war engines that run at relatively good scale speeds.

If any of you could post a picture of the valve guide referenced as the difference between the periods I would appreciate that and thank you.   

The valve guide on the early steamchest can be seen in this picture, above the upper crosshead guide.

The valve guide is missing on the later reissue of the 773.

Larry

The red arrows point to the valve guide that is always mentioned in discussing the 1950 773.

Thank you bigo426 and Train Larry - I've have them!  So I am glad to know the period.  How fortunate we are to have so much information shared by this forum's members.  I have wondered about the period for years.  Not that it really matters, I am not a collector.  But, it is nice to be accurate when I talk about my hobby.  My thanks again...  

Another easy reference point I forgot are the rollers on the roller pick ups.

1950 style in top photo

1964 - 65 style in bottom photo

So, which one do you have?

A lot of 1964-66 Hudson owners upgraded their tenders to a 2426W.

The so called price guide value may have declined but even a 1950 773 in only good condition will still usually go for over 800 bucks and in my opinion that ain't chicken feed.  The 1950 773s that I have seen that are in excellent condition have been going for $1500 to $2,000.  Lord knows what a like new version is going for.  True, there are some being offered at a lower price but they usually are flawed but still almost always go for over a grand.  I saw one at the Greenberg Wilmington show last weekend that was in excellent condition with the original boxes going for two thousand.  I spoke at length with the seller and he was quite confident that he would not be taking it home with him but it was still there when I left.  So, as far as the bottom falling out on even marginal 1950 773s I don't necessarily think that is the case at least in my opinion.  The 1950 773 still is pretty much considered the iconic Lionel Post-war locomotive and yeah I would love to have one but I don't think its gonna happen anytime soon.

C W Burfle - So, which one do you have?

Burfle - If that question was directed to me then my answer is I have the 1950 version with the 2426W tender in very good condition.  Like I said earlier.  I am not a collector.  I wanted and have this engine because I model the transition period with steam and diesel and it is a great runner.  I frequently run this with command control units and it holds a nice pace on the layout. 

I think one more reason is because this engine will be running for someone long after I am gone.  I love command control but they simply do not last forever.  The electronics sputter out and then the board is no longer available.

Finally, the last reason is because it is such an iconic memory of my childhood Lionel equipment.  The real deal still chugging.

How about you Ron?  Were you able to determine which one you have?

Wood - LOL, The question was directed towards Ron, the person that asked about them. I am certain you enjoy your 1950 773 / 2426W tender.

Great thread!

 I love my 773's

I have my dad's original 1950, the 1965 he got for our Christmas layout when I was but a wee lad, and my Century Club 773.

Last April at York I couldn't find one for less that $1500, there was one for 1200 but it had a broken cow catcher. I did find one on ebay but I had to buy 10 complete sets to get it.  

Wood, my 1996 Santa Fe F3 AB TMCC set still runs perfectly, as do my other TMCC locos from that time. Almost 20 years.  Same with my Century Club 773.

I personally wouldn't worry too much about it.  

Granted there's even more electronics now in the Legacy stuff, but my personal experience has not been gloom and doom.

Anyway, the 1950 version is very nice!!!

David posted: 1996 Santa Fe F3 AB TMCC

Good point David.  Funny, I also have the 1996 Santa Fe F3.  I love the railsounds horn and diesel revs.  And, yes it is still running great!!

Yes, I have TMCC locos that are 20 years old and have never even hiccuped. A few -

a very few, honestly - have had TMCC problems.

Certainly TMCC/DCS/DCC/etc equipment will fail electronically sooner than many

1930's-era-technology locomotives will fail in their way; no one can deny that. But, to refute this "argument" for the old and old-fashioned stuff, I give you that stuff itself. What do you have? Often crude and unrealistic items that I simply do not want. Period. Running or not.

In the meantime, I get to enjoy, for decades, sophisticated and realistic-looking and -acting equipment. I would rather have my TMCC NYC J3a Hudsons running for 25 - 30 years than a 773 for 60 years. 

Yes, I appreciate and value the old stuff - I even have a bit - but I don't want to live there.

To all,

I just got home from work and have time to reply to all these posts.

First of all, I really appreciate everyone's help and comments.  I never knew this engine was so popular.  I guess the price should of told me, but wow, a lot of posts on this topic.

I just purchase one for $996 which is a ton (there goes my chance for a 1960's muscle car).  Anyway, I would say it is in good condition - some paint chips/worn areas but the engine runs forward/reverse, the light works, smokes, and the tender works fine.

Based on all the tips from everyone...this is a 1950 773.  It was sold as a 1950 version from a good and reputable seller.  However, it appears the front boiler maybe only the hinged cover with the lamp was replaced with a later one.   You can see the little wedge under the lamp.  However, the steam chest guide exists, the 773 numbers are in the correct font size/style, the pickup rollers are the right ones, so all else confirms 1950 version.

I know this next question will get a lot of posts...but here it goes..

Would you be happy with the replaced front plate?

I realize that$996 is high and maybe another one will come along for less but I a funny about original.  I like the complete package to be original...at least at this level of spending.

I have the option to return...another amazing quality of this seller.

I look forward to variety of opinions that will surely follow.

Ron

If it is a genuine Lionel postwar boiler front door, I would not be too bothered.

I guess I'd keep an eye out for a replacement, but I wouldn't put much hope in finding one. You never know.

How is the door attached to the boiler front ring? Rivets or pins?
What color are they?

C.W.

I think these are rivets.  The seller told me this is an original 1952 or later and not a repro. I added a pic.

In your opinion, is this price way out of line? It seems from some folks that these may be 600 to 1200 for a good condition one. 

Original boiler front with smokebox door is available here.

Larry

Anybody have a close-up picture of the headlight support between the headlight and the shelf?

Close up pictures of the early and late smokebox door showing headlight.

Larry

Mine has the early type ... on a 1950 version I think, at least the valve guide is there ...

TrainLarry - When I need a tough part I am definitely emailing you.  Great follow through..

The valve guide on the early steamchest can be seen in this picture, above the upper crosshead guide.

 

The valve guide is missing on the later reissue of the 773.

 

Larry

 

Close up pictures of the early and late smokebox door showing headlight.

 

Larry

 

quote:

I think these are rivets.  The seller told me this is an original 1952 or later and not a repro. I added a pic.

Thanks for the picture. They look like the pins to me.
I was just curious. I know that Lionel used both, I don't know when they switched from rivets to pins.

As for the value of your 773: I am not up on the current prices of most items. I know what I am willing to pay for something. Whether that price has any basis in reality is another matter.

Was the Century Club 773 made from original tooling?  I have one, still MIB sealed, so I don't have a description, as I've lost the advertising.

     Hoppy

The description on this site indicates the locomotive was made using the original tooling.

The owners' manual is here.

Larry

Larry - thanks much!!

     Hoppy