Lionel Smithsonian Collection

turbgine posted:

If you want to know the accurate history of the Smithsonian Collection by Lionel contact George Kohs. He and his brother Gary were the importers and designers of the sets for Lionel. He lives in Clarkston, MI. and his phone number is 248-625-6396. His current company is Kohs & Co. He is an expert on O Scale and Gauge One brass trains.  He can tell you about the original pricing of the engine and cars. 

I did speak with Mr. Koh, thank-you turbgine!

ajcalco posted:

Fine Arts Models made the Smithsonian sets for Lionel in 1993.  Two separate sets of consist cars where made, depending on whether they were the east bound from Chicago, or the west bound from NYC to Chicago.  You can find the old brochure with the cars listed by searching online.  Costs per car very greatly.  From about $300.0 to $500.00 each depending on condition.  I think some are really asking much given car conditions.  Cars can be mint except that the rubber diaphrams at the end are often deteriorated after 20 plus years and need to be replaced.  To me this devalues the cars somewhat.  Deterioration can take place even if the cars are still sealed in boxes.  The cars are incredable though the couplers would never stand up to running the cars they are so heavy.  Key dee couplers can be installed and the cars look great as such.  I would not recommend trying to put figures in the cars.  Windows are also very delicate.  Fantastic find.  Seems there are more of them on the market than a while ago.

ajcalco

Hi ajcalco,

I have since discovered these items are from 1992. I have them listed in the for sale forum now. Thanks, Suzanne