Lionel Corp 214 Armored set question

Traditional open frame motor, no sound. Almost like the original.

Steve

I would say just like the original, but I don't have one to compare it with

Steve

Well, there can only be one original, so almost seems to fit the bill pretty well.

I don't have an original, but I do have the repro.  Simple as it is in terms of construction and details, there sure can't be a whole lot of difference.

I do not have an original but when I compare my reissue set with photographs of the original the only difference I can see is that on the reissue set Phillips head screws are used to attach the turret and the body to the frame while on the original regular round head single slot screws were used.  Also, on the original round head screws were used to attach the roofs while the reissue roofs simply slide on to the frame, no screws are used.  Hope this helps.

Good info, thanks all.

What a nice little set.  If they reissue it in a different color I might be temped to buy it.  Then I could attack from both flanks.

Norm

Don't forget check out the add-on cars for the sets as well.

One of these days I would like to see a good side-by-side photo of the two different MTH/LCT repro sets that have supposedly been released.  In every photo and every example I've seen to date, it looks to be a dark olive drab (like the set I have).  I have yet to see a gray set.

If you look at the LCT product descriptions on the MTH site, you'll see what I mean.

I would like to see a gray that really looks like a gray.

They look the same to me also.

Adding to OKHIKER's post, MTH Tinplate Traditions used screws instead of tabs to assemble my favorite "O" Gauge tinplate set, Ives 1694 (set 1616), made by Lionel in 1932. I like screws much better.

Assuming that my wife would approve spending $10,000 for an original set, I could not take it apart to maintain it for fear that I would break a tab and lower its value. Keeping that sleek, elegant set as a "shelf queen" just doesn't sit well. So MTH provided a set I could maintain and run and enjoy, especially with sounds and directional lighting.

I'll refer readers to a video of a scratchbuilt replica of this set on YouTube. I ALWAYS enjoy watching it.

Allan:

Currently I have both examples on my shelves.  I can verify the fact both color variations exist, GRAY and OLIVE GREEN.  Besides the color, both sets are identical.  The GRAY was released first, and these are photographs I took the day they shipped in and posted on this forum May 15, 2012.  The paint on the one photographed above is positively GRAY.

If time permits, I will photograph the OLIVE GREEN.

To answer the original question, both color variation sets offered by MTH LCT are TRADITIONAL, which means they have a "reproduction style" open frame motor.  The sets do not feature any sounds except for the natural "growl" sounds of an open frame style motor.

Here is a photograph of the underside of the Armored locomotive:

That does definitely look gray to me.  I still would like to see a photo of the Gray and Green locomotives side by side (in the identical lighting, etc.).

These really are VERY basic locomotives/sets.  No whistle, nothing extra, very light in weight, non-functional couplers, and, in my opinion, significantly overpriced.  I missed out on the gray set (even though I thought that is what I had ordered), but it's probably just a well because unless you REALLY like these things, they're not worth what they cost, even at a discount.  MSRP was/is $399.95.  I see it as more of a $200 item, if that.  Both flavors are still available.

My set is definitely gray.

Yep...that one definitely looks gray.

What is the set number for the GRAY set, and what is the set number for the GREEN set.  The MTH product description does not adequately describe what you are getting.

Allan,

       The set number for the gray armored train is 11-6025-0E.

       The set number for the olive armored train is 11-6029-0E

Thanks much, OKHIKER!

The MTH Product Locator has the exact same description for both sets, as far as I can determine, so the prospective buyer doesn't have a clue which is which.  The product photos also look the same, at least in the size they are presented.

2012  cat. page 44 shows a Green set. The description says it is Battleship grey.

2011 cat. page 20 shows a Battleship grey set with Battleship grey description.

The 2012 description is cut and paste from 2011 and now a typo.

I've always preferred the olive green version since these repros were released.

I came close to pulling the trigger but decided to pass. Like Allan, I always thought they were priced a little too high.

One day maybe.

What did 11-70062 end up being and was it produced?

That item number was for an add-on ammunition car and was cancelled because there was a misunderstanding with MTH's supplier regarding painting details.

That misunderstanding is the reason MTH cataloged the Olive Green Armored Set 11-6029-0 and the add-on car 11-70078 a year later.

Thanks for the photo.  I really have/had no doubt that two different color sets were produced, but MTH did make it darn near impossible for the consumer to tell which is which.  I'll bet more than a few thought the two sets were the same but just cataloged in additional years.  The green sets are probably still in stock because earlier gray set buyers many not even know they exist.  And prospective gray set buyers (those who already have the more recent green set), are left out in the cold (not really, but they would have to shop around a bit).

I'll just stick with the green set I have.  I would not be willing to spend that kind of $ again on a second set of a slightly different color.  As I noted before, I personally feel the MSRP of the set (either one) is close to twice what it should be, given what you receive for the money spent.  I can see $250 maybe, but not anywhere near $399.

In the Cat. photo 11-70062 looks to be the mail car/ammunition car from the 215 set.

The green add on car is another 900 ammunition car. 

My wife,the retired art teacher,says that both sets are green.  Mine looks to be a completely different green altogther: a dark army green.  Go figure.

Norm

An individual's color perception is HIGHLY subjective. That having been said, my armored loco is DEFINITELY gray as shown in the photos above.

Definitely no hint of green or "olive green"! 

BIG MISTAKE, it should have said "Lionel Manufacturing Co."

Nitpicker! 

That is correct for 1917 production. 1918 through 1921 said." THE LIONEL CORPORATION".

Big mistake. Not really.