Lionel GG-1 # 2360

Yes, red with large keystone and 5 stripes is a scarce variation.  I had one with good keystones and faded stripes but you could definitely see that there were 5 stripes.  I sold it over 10 years ago for $850 when generic red 2360's were bringing around $225.

I don't know about model trains yet but there are companies who will completely restore an aged wristwatch face all the way up to Rolex and others.  The cost is even quite tolerable.  Maybe if there isn't such an enterprise for trains it certainly would be a business to be exploited.  

Bob posted:

Yes, red with large keystone and 5 stripes is a scarce variation.  I had one with good keystones and faded stripes but you could definitely see that there were 5 stripes.  I sold it over 10 years ago for $850 when generic red 2360's were bringing around $225.

Hi Bob:

So what should I do. I already have the decals in stock. Perhaps I should keep the close up photos with it which I took recently  to prove that it was decorated that way at the factory. The loco is not mine but rather belongs to a good friend.

Hate to say it but it may be better to leave as is.  I think it all depends on your plans for the engine tho.  

I was given a 2360 from a dear family friend who just had the engine restored.  It was a beautiful restoration and I would never consider selling the engine for sentimental reasons.  So for me, I'm glad that it's restored.  It looks and runs beautifully.  However, I have noticed that original models with cosmetic blemishes seem to sell for much more than restored versions.  

Todd Knoll posted:

Hate to say it but it may be better to leave as is.  I think it all depends on your plans for the engine tho.  

I was given a 2360 from a dear family friend who just had the engine restored.  It was a beautiful restoration and I would never consider selling the engine for sentimental reasons.  So for me, I'm glad that it's restored.  It looks and runs beautifully.  However, I have noticed that original models with cosmetic blemishes seem to sell for much more than restored versions.  

Strangely enough there are people who value an old $10,000 Rolex more if the face is all worn from age than the same watch with a restored face.  Same with a lot of vintage items.    Kinda beyond me.

Richard Wolf posted:

So what should I do. I already have the decals in stock. 

I'd suggest picking up an inexpensive shell off of eBay or at a swap meet. Keep the original as-is and have at-it with the replacement.

Gilly@N&W posted:

Richard Wolf posted:

So what should I do. I already have the decals in stock. 

I'd suggest picking up an inexpensive shell off of eBay or at a swap meet. Keep the original as-is and have at-it with the replacement.

That's a great idea!!

Gilly@N&W posted:

Richard Wolf posted:

So what should I do. I already have the decals in stock. 

I'd suggest picking up an inexpensive shell off of eBay or at a swap meet. Keep the original as-is and have at-it with the replacement.

Good point. Thanx

So what should I do. I already have the decals in stock. Perhaps I should keep the close up photos with it which I took recently  to prove that it was decorated that way at the factory. The loco is not mine but rather belongs to a good friend.

If you restore it, it will be worth no more than a restoration of the most common version. Once the finish has been altered, nobody will care how it left the factory.

I like the original finish whether worn, battered or whatever. I try to clean if they need it but looking used doesn't bother me. The replacement shell is a good idea if you want to run it.