Lionel Standard Gauge #5 Locomotive Questions

a few  photos would help .

thick rim 1911-1926

I don't have all your answers, but here's what I know:

The "coal box" on the rear of the cab is correct for a #5. The #5 special came with a small slope-back tender

The boiler front can be removed. There should be a rod through the boiler that goes through the boiler front and a decorative screw that holds the boiler front on. If the screw is missing, no big deal. Replacements are available.

The boiler front and the the drawbar that the cow-catcher mounts are indeed painted wood. That is correct.

Check out the condition of the motor armature for excessive wear, and the sliding pickup shoe for wear.

I don't know the exact age of the thick rim #5. I know my thin rim 5 spcl is 110 years old. The reverse switch is a bit sticky and needs service. Otherwise it still runs.

Thanks for the information. Interesting about the wood boiler front and drawbar. I would not have guessed that to be correct.

So, are the 100 series freight cars correct or appropriate for this engine? What would be the typical cars that this engine would have been sold with?

Does anyone have any catalog photos showing this engine with cars?

Thanks again, it is amazing how much knowledge is on this forum-especially for something that was made nearly 100 years ago.

I think the 100 series cars came out during WW1. I would expect this loco to have cars numbered in the teens.

The number 5 is a neat engine. If I remember correctly, it was Lionel’s first steam engine. I recommend it. The previous posters made great comments.

Thanks for the photos! Very impressive grouping of early Lionel.

It makes sense that the #5 is for the larger 10 series cars, as the coupler on the rear seems too high for the smaller 100 series cars.

If I get this engine, I will update here.

Thanks again for all the help and information.

Let us know how it turns out!

Hello here is a link to see the 5 pulling early 10 series cars ... the 5 came out in 1907 when there were only the larger 10 series cars .... when the medium size 180 passenger cars came out in 1910   Lionel used the 8 wheel slope back tender to help transition from the tall engine to the smaller cars.     

Cheers Carey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_-221KL1eE

Here are a couple of catalog scans I have from 1913.  This shows the 180 series passenger cars as part of the set.