Lionel Postwar Set No. 19111 with Mercury Capsule Car - Anybody have any info in this set??

https://www.google.com/url?q=h...hv9NSfUR7RflwgxwBElh

It may be described on pg. 441 of the Project Roar book.

Yes, your set if from 1962 and was uncatalogued.

It is listed as a "Department Store Special" Lionel likely sold these to smaller retailers seeking a promotional outfit yet were unable to the volume commitment to receive and exclusive one. Originally sold for $24.88

The build date on Lionels data sheet indicate the date 6/7/1962

This info comes from Authoritative Guide to Lionels Promotional Outfits 1960-69 by John Schmid.

I don't suppose the little envelope was still in the box for the tie down bands and wire retaining top.

A nice nod to the space and military era with some of that rolling stock. Although seems to me that many of the space & military sets were pulled by diesels.

Which reminds me that I need to get my similar vintage Orbiter Set out to run and get some pictures. 

According to the John Schmid guide the set did not include the 6142? gondola.

Chuck Sartor posted:

I don't suppose the little envelope was still in the box for the tie down bands and wire retaining top.

No unfortunately not! The capsules are original and the car is in good shape. Also the transformer, track , 90 degree crossover and uncoupler are all there. It’s only in average shape, but a cool find I think ! Thanks, 

G

franktrain posted:

According to the John Schmid guide the set did not include the 6142? gondola.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond! This description is spot on including the “extras” in the box. Curious what the “Rarity” R10 rating means? Is this a rare set ? In any case although not in any sort of amazing shape I’m happy with it and I finally got my Mercury capsule car !   

The R10 rating means this was a low volume set only 100 sets or less. 

I love when these promo sets are discovered and discussed!

Peter

Hi Guys, 

With the world turning upside down with Covid19 I didn't have a chance to do anything further with the set. A big thanks to Frank for sending me the detailed info on this set.  Basically, we have almost everything original from the set including the exact # of track pieces, transformer, locos, and uncoupler.  I think it's been a long time since it was last run.

Last night I got out the set, cleaned up the locomotive and ran it.  Wouldn't you know it, the loco fired up and took off.  Lights and smoke all work.  I never ceased to be amazed as to how durable these trains are.  

Here is a video discussing the set as well as with some running time:  https://youtu.be/Oy6UnrZCNjw

I hope you enjoy and that you are staying safe and healthy!