My first attempt at collecting early Lionel Standard Gauge

very cool.

I like the old stuff.

a repaint would make it look brand new and pristine.

Me personally would leave it as is.

I like the paint lose and scrapes, it gives it character

and has a story all its own.

but that's just my personal opinion.

Happy railroading and happy painting.

David,

Congratulations and welcome to the "dark side". Your choice is a good one. The 33 is a workhorse. I own three variations. The #32 Mail Car is a valuable car due to its short production. I would not worry about harming the value by restoring. All of your pieces are common. 

When running your train under the tree recheck the lubricated points of the 33 often.  

I saw that set for sale on Ebay! Kind of funny that I see it here now

snooze, you lose

Nice train. Do with it what you like, and enjoy. My only thought on restoration is that it should be done to your satisfaction, not with the thought that it will be worth more repainted than it is right now. That usually does not happen.

Give it a little bit of time, and see if the condition really bothers you. Sometimes, new and shiny isn't all that.

That's great to see a big old train still running.

I've dabbled in various gauges and scales for variety. I was recently given a bunch of old standard gauge track and switches which I tried to sell without success. I guess I will keep the track in case I end up with a train to fit ...

Note the yardstick for scale.

Ace,

I had three apple boxes of 12" Std Gauge track all Lionel NY. I also had another two boxes of Ives O-Gauge and one box of Flyer O-Gauge. All of the track was C-5/6. I tried the better part of four months to sell it. I sealed the boxes in plastic and returned to storage. 

It seems a lot of people are having trouble selling off their old tubular track even when the track is in very good condition.  All I can say is that the people who are buying new tubular have absolutely no idea what they are missing.  The old Lionel NY O Gauge and Standard Gauge track is far superior to the flimsy stuff that is being manufactured today.  The new stuff made have more of a shine to it but that will disappear soon enough.   The old Lionel NY is considerably heavier, far more durable and much more rigid that the product being manufactured in China.  There have been a few so called "experts" who have posted that the metal being used in China today is equal to that of the metal used in pre-war and post-war trains.  I suggest they pick up a sample of each and determine the difference.

Steve,

If I didn't have so much track on hand, I'd invest in some USA Track. I may try that auction site for my stuff. I've been following what the listings end for. Wow!, That much??