Need advice for model train used as movie prop

Welcome to the forum!  A lot of us still have our trains from that era.  My first was from 1973:

I don't have a picture of the set box, but some of the packaging will look like this:

or:

I'm sure others will chime in.

To be really accurate you could buy a Lionel set from 1973 in like new condition from that auction site, but it might get pricey unless it is an entry-level set (beginner's set).

An alternative would be to use a postwar lionel train set, but put it in a generic plain brown box (wrapped in christmas paper) and have the dad explain that he is giving his son the same set of trains that his father gave him, and that he hopes he will pass them down to his son one day.  This way you don't need any original packaging and the trains don't have to look like they are brand new.  You could probably borrow the trains, don't necessarily have to buy anything.

Not a Lionel guy but I work in TV production so here goes. It would most likely be a complete, ready-to-run set from that era and these can be found without difficulty from Ebay and other places in the original or close to original packaging. My advice would be to get a collector near your location to lend you one and give him a screen credit. Of course the set should be operating for the later scene but that shouldn't be a problem either as the Lionel sets from that era were pretty simple.

Lionel at that time was produced by General Mills, Fundimensions Division.  We typically refer to them as MPC, or Model Products Corporation.  Do a search on ebay for "Lionel MPC" and you will have more than enough material to choose from.

I'd think something more postwar-looking would go over better. That loco wreaks of disco

Can you tell us the name of the movie? Somebody on here will most likely be able to tell you what that engine was, and if it is a collectors item or just basic everyday Lionel from the 1970's.

Lee Fritz

There are books that will give the names of sets from that era photos and all.

Pick out the set you want. You should find one new in box or close on E-Bay or other auction sites. You can even advertise here for it. Buy as many as you want.

As a side there is a group that posts here that owns and operates the Lionel trains from the Sopranos tv show.

So the boxes would be different, not just one straightforward look? I am not sure if I can say the name of the movie, currently, we are just in preproduction. It is not a specific engine. We can decide that. It could be a beginner's set. 

There are plenty of Lionel train sets from that era that have never been opened or that have been opened and are in like-new condition. Search Ebay for "Lionel MPC Set", "Lionel Allegheny", "Lionel Capitol Limited" and "Lionel Milwaukee Special". They really aren't that expensive.

Here's a typical set box and contents from the era:

http://www.bolky.com/1972-mint...005a1628a26048b427eb

Just google "lionel train set 1972 (or 1973, etc). and look under images.

Here's a pretty good site for what things looked like back then:

http://tycotrain.tripod.com/li...tresource/id272.html

It's possible folks here have complete boxed sets like these, and might consider loaning them to you.

Lionel catalogs are readily available on the bay.  Pick a few for the years you are. Interested in and look them over to decide what best fits your story and then as others have said, happy hunting!

Since I don't know your production schedule or your location this may or may not help you but the Train Collectors Associations York train meet is in about a month.

http://www.easterntca.org/

You could possibly tag along as a guest of a member to look for a usable set in one of the various halls that are packed with trains. You very well may find something there you could use.

Jerry

You could use the coke set from that era. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com...&nid=16119235584

Hi Katrina, all good advice above. The only thing that I could add is to get a Lionel catalog from 1973. In this way you can have the part numbers you are looking for and then can chose the set that works best for your flick.

I think I have one from 1973 or there abouts, let me know and I will e-mail you some copies of them. I may have some extra as well if you would rather me mail the originals to you.

Have fun with your project and good luck.

Katrina, you'll find a myriad of worthwhile suggestions on this forum for you to glean and take note of and assuming this is a low budget direct to video indy B movie or a grad level project you might do well contacting Lionel Collectors Club of America. They hopefully will be willing to connect you with someone who could provide what you need in exchange for a possible screen credit for the LCCA. Anyway, Enjoy perusing the responses you'll surely be getting.

BTW FYI just so you know, forum rules require member avatars be an actual photo of the member.

Hey Kenn, dose this mean I have to get rid of my picture that I got out of Gentlemans Quarterly?

Hi, that is a photo of me, if that is what you are saying. We are shooting in Atlanta and it is a tier one film, which means low budget. However Robin Williams plays the father that gives the train. Thanks for all the assistance so far!

Coke adds an extra layer of trickery because we have to get Coke cleared which we may or may not be able to do- sometimes we use Coke and sometimes Pepsi, it all depends...

Katrina, I have a 73 catalog you can have. I can scan it if you like. Write me at jrnyfilms@comcast.net

Don

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910885/

If it is going to be a reasonably priced gift, he would give something like the MPC/Lionel starter set with a Southern Railway steam engine locomotive and caboose. It is one box with all the cars seperated by cardboard.

Andrew

There is also a nice toy train store in the Atlanta area, Legacy Station in Lawerencville.

They have a knowledgeable staff and know many train guys in the area that may offer you some help / advice.

Good luck with your endeavor.

Don

CALL Leon Pepin in Conyers, GA. He will give you all the information you will need. His phone number is 770-785-9545. Conyers is just outside of Atlanta. Tell him  Ed Goldman from Portland, Maine said to call you.

Yes, the train runs in modern day. That is the most important element. Since we are limited to what we can find now, that will probably be the deciding factor. It won't be the highest end, probably mid-range, just a standard boy gift for the time. All those are things for me to consider, but I just want to know that what I find is accurate and the train guys will see it and think it is correct

I told you what to do......

Yes, I will call him, and thank you so much for the info. It is just almost ten pm here so I will wait. Thank you!

Hi Katrina, now that I see the cover picture of the 1973 catalog that Don "Scale Rail" posted above, I know that I don't have that one. So you better take him up on his offer.

There goes my shot at one second of fame! 

In any case, I think you can see that we will be happy to help you in anyway we can.

If at all possible please keep us posted as the film develops. I was more then happy to help you when I thought you where just a kid trying to get off the launching pad, but a professional motion picture is down right cool to follow.

Good luck and God Bless kid, make us proud!

We all need help on any level, which is why I go to the people who know what they are talking about. Each movie presents an opportunity to learn about new things. That's what makes them so interesting. Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge about what you love.

Katrina:

Don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of help.  Once you reach the point where you may have production stills available for the two scenes you mentioned in your initial post, get in touch with me because I likely can incorporate them in a column for the magazine.  That will give the film a bit of additional exposure.

Also, I can put you in touch with the individual who is perhaps the premier collector/authority on Lionel trains of that era.

this person lives in GA. http://www.ericstrains.com/  send him a message.

My vote would be this one - it think it's an iconic set even though it was released in 1972, it probably could be found in stores in 1973...

Try Legacy Station, 770-339-7780. It's a train store in Atlanta.

Ask for Brian. 

Lionel sets from 1973

6-1384 Southern Express

6-1388 Golden State Arrow

Andrew