Lionel OO guage three rail set

be aware that there were two 2rail and two 3rail locomotives.  each version had a more and a less detailed model.  the model number is usually somewhere underneath the locomotive & tender.

#001 - 3rail, detailed
#002 - 3rail, less detail

#003 - 2rail, detailed
#004 - 2rail less detail

tenders also came as with a whistle (#00nW) or without (#00nT) versions.

the Lionel boxcar (v. the PA boxcar) and the gray (v. the black) SP hoppers are slightly more desirable... at least i think so.  look closely at the dummy knuckle couplers for possible repairs.  if there is any original track included, it is quite rare, especially straight track pieces.

i have all four locomotive versions, but have never run any so i'm 100% unsure what they even used for power.  if the train is complete and generally in good condition $350 is a pretty good price for even the less detailed model.

good luck...gary

Like most all post and pre war Lionel condition is important. In the case of the cars they can be restored rather easily if you are inclined. They all used decals for lettering like the metal single dome tank cars of the late '30s and '40s. Engine and tender lettering was stamped so good lettering is a plus.

Track is a big plus, as stated Lionel track is expensive but you can get track from Gargraves and well as vintage Scalecraft on the auction sites.

Pete

The price is right, it is a smaller scale or semi-scale  version of the pre-war hudson.  does it run, does the whistle work.  The sets either came as a full scale hudson with three cars and a caboose or with a semi-scale hudson with two cars and a caboose.  The hopper is the car missing from the semi-scale set.  When checking the cars inspect them as you would o gauge pre-war scale and semi-scale cars, but the color of the cars changed over time as did the lettering on the caboose, the early versions have a cream boxcar, gray hopper and silver tank and a Pennsylvania caboose.   I know Penn caboose behind a NYC engine.  The scale will be marked 001 and the semi-scale will be 002.  The 2-rail versions will be marked 003 and 004.  

Well, they are all diecast, so look out for zincpest.  If they are clean and original and have enough track to set up, it's a good enough deal.  As above, condition is the key.  The Hudson is a jewel.

Gary

Being pre-war, I'm guessing they all run on AC, regardless of the number of rails...?

For whatever reason, Lionel OO has always held a fascination for me; in fact, I found this at a show a few years back. At first glance I thought it was just a cheap plastic Life-Like HO model, until I picked it up and took a closer look. I added some HO trucks and couplers 'cause that's all I had:

I'm not sure if anything on this is original (maybe the paint, but probably not the decals(?) or smoke jack) but it certainly has its own charm, and weighs almost 4 1/2 ounces!

Mark in Oregon

found a few pictures of when i had  them on display.  pretty sure the locomotives are the higher detailed versions...

Well, I got the OO Gauge set for $175.00.  There is a 001 Hudson, 001 W tender, 2 box cars, 1 Tank car, 1 hopper and the caboose.  The motor on the Hudson will not turn and the flanges on 2 of the wheels are chipped.  Does anyone know where I can get a new wheel set or a rolling chassis?

I cannot help you, but wow!    I think you got a heck of a deal; the engine is one of the more detailed versions, I think.

Good score! 

Mark in Oregon

Nice score, but how was the cake?!

A simple search on the bay turned up some results including motor mounts and armatures. You probably could get a 002 less detailed version to part out.

Ebay, no repro wheels for that. Take it aparts and see what is good and what is not first. I say good deal no that it looks nice. 

Try this email        dkuehnem@stny.rr.com         aka OO Dick

Thanks for the info on OO Dick.

00 Dick might have some wheels. He is a nice guy although I have never bought from him. First thing though, you need to verify what parts you need for sure.

Nairb Rekab posted:

Try this email        dkuehnem@stny.rr.com         aka OO Dick

I have bought from him, highly recommended

Yes, OO Dick and I conversed via e-mail throughout the day.  He will rehab the entire engine and tender for me in March.  I want to run this set in my annual Christmas layout this year.  Gargraves makes three rail OO sectional track if need be.  From what I understand, the original Lionel OO track is expensive and not very reliable for proper conduction of electricity.

Byrdie posted:

Nice score, but how was the cake?!

I’m with you, that’s the first thing I noticed!...trains are cool, but tell us more about that cake?...George, every time you get new trains, do you get cake at your house? ...if so...are you accepting applications for adoption?............Pat

That is a real nice locomotive!  You did well..

harmonyards posted:

Byrdie posted:

Nice score, but how was the cake?!

I’m with you, that’s the first thing I noticed!...trains are cool, but tell us more about that cake?...George, every time you get new trains, do you get cake at your house? ...if so...are you accepting applications for adoption?............Pat

No cake dude. I’m a type 2 diabetic. But, I do have an understand wife. 

I have a two rail and three rail set of Lionel OO trains, I bought Gargraves three rail track and wired it to run both two rail and three rail trains as the wooden ties insulate the middle rail. I have run my three rail set on original Lionel track and it ran fine.

very nice!

A few years agoing I picked up a 3 Rail version primarily for display. I have since discovered that On3 track gauge is within a few thousands of an inch of American OO so for display or for running 2 rail versions this is another option.

Pete