Lionel Hudson 700E - Opinion needed

Lionel corp plate tells me for one thing its not 1990 version.

I believe the 1-700E (1990 model) said 1-700E on the builder tag.

That looks to be an original

The 1990 repro cab # was 5340, not 5344 as it was on the original. In addition, I don't think they use fabric wire tubing in the 1990 version.

The paint also looks like it could be from the 30's.

You may have an original there.

In addition to what everybody else has said so far, I believe the broken casting gives it away. It's defintley an original and probably not worth restoring. Original parts cost a small fortune. A boiler front alone  would cost you something like $500. I don't know how you would repair the casting as the material used was defective and could probably break somewhere else.

Mitomasi, if you aren't looking at it as a collectors item and you want to restore it and money isn't a issue? or if it is this is what I'd try. 

Get some JB's weld and marry the cab back onto the boiler and then diligently work joined parts with some modelers putty and see if you wanted to go further or leave with just touch up to repaired area paint.

I also would take photos including the 3 posted here to show it has been a repaired restoration to show as physical proof as most collectors here would suggest same in case it ever was resold so new owner or collector would know of the repair.

Your call to me from photos it shows no parts or pieces missing from either cab or boiler where it broke away. 

$oo

The fact the there is a E unit where the smoke unit is on the 1990 version means you got a real one. Check very closely for warppage and cracking as was prone to the late 30 castings. By the way the major parts between the two engine are not compatible.

Definitely an original. The 1937 model was the year with all the zinc pest. Look at the bottom of the chassis, if there are no screws in the chassis with the word oil next to them that would also confirm it as a 1937. Lastly look at the frame under the front truck, if it is a 1937 there will be a serial number stamped into the frame with the prefix of 01-XXXX. That is the serial number series for 1937. In 1938 the serial number began with 38-XXXX.

You might be better off keeping it for parts if you didn't pay to much for it. A complete engine and tender (700T) will run you in the range of $1800.00 (good) to $5,000.00 ( Like New). The previous poster is correct in that individual "original"parts can be very costly, and I would recommend only restoring one with fewer issues as you could end up spending twice that much based on the condition it is in.

If you attend York there is a TCA member Don Hagar that is an expert on this engine. He just released two DVD's on this engine as well. You may want to look him up.

As you may already know this is for collectors the holy grail. Whatever you decide good luck.

If you decide that you would like to sell some of the parts let me know I might be interested.

Sad.  But how do repro parts price?  Dad's 700E tender crumbled like a graham cracker though the loco was quite fine.  A Madison Hardware shell was just the ticket as a replacement.

I love these things - but would be just as happy with the 1990 version.  Right now I have a 763, a scale MTH, and a Scale Craft.  One of these days a 1990 Lionel will jump in my arms and I will 2- rail it.

I believe the smokebox front is the same as some smaller model- a 736?  I am not well versed in this stuff.

I am very grateful for all advices and opinions. Thank to all. I have paid for it - in Poland - about 30 $. As I see in ebay, there are some parts - as NOS, or repro parts in very resonable prices. Therefore I think, that restoration could be performed rather easily. I will add pictures in the future doctumenting restoration. The serial number is 011319. Best regards mitomasi&son