New Member with some Questions.

Nice set, I would first get the engine running.
You may want to bang out some of the large dents and leave the finish as is because this is what your Great Granmother did and it represents your family history.
Just imagine bringing this train back to life and running this train around a Christmas tree with your family.

Looks like some missing trim work and head lights need to be replaced.
Henning's or Olsen's are a good choice plus there are others as the forum members could direct you.
Loco will need to be re wheeled and this may be a good time to replace the wire to the pickup as the wire may be cracked/damage.

One Pullman car looks like the roof is dented and this could be banged out if you desired.

Will you be doing the work yourself? If not, you could always ask the forum members on who could repair this.
Price on parts could be looked up. To get the part numbers google up Olsens train Library and go into the library.
Once there, look up standard gauge loco 10 (I did not see a 10E listed) and get the part numbers for you parts. Or you couls just call Henning's.

I just picked up a Lionel 10 at a show for $100.00. It has a bad repaint , Engine was re wheeled and everything is there and it is runs.

It would be nice if you list the numbers on the side of the cars.
I m not sure of your cars as other members will give you a heads up on the price.
You could look at eBay for the price and just remember that what you see may be a high asking price not for what it sells for.

Just enjoy and get it running/have fun.

Thanks. Here are close ups of the cars. 

J3 Driver posted:

Thanks. Here are close ups of the cars. 

Hi Can not read all the numbers on cars, just the 339.
341 Observation? 332 Baggage?

Gould you also see if the numbers and Pullman/Baggage or Observation are decals ore rubber stamped?

I would have to say that it is priceless, you are very fortunate to have gotten this. If it were mine I would not get to hung up on the appearance there is a lot of history there. Good luck with it!!

That's a great set to keep and enjoy with your family. Having someone knowledgeable go through the motor and reverse unit would be worthwhile. The locomotive wheels look deteriorated (a common thing) and replacing them for operation is an option.

The pick-up roller wear and missing headlights suggest that a good few miles have been run. That means the set was well-enjoyed! Repro parts are available, depending on how far you wish to go down that road. All the best!

Numbers on the cars are:

332 on the Railway Mail

339 on the Pulman Coach

And 341 on the Observation. 

 They appear to be rubber Stamped. I can't see any trace of decals. The one 339 is a little smudged as well. 

Boxes also marked with corresponding numbers and color. 

I have done many restorations on pre war tinplate. In this case you know the history on it and it is your families history so I would get it in good working order and maybe replace some of the missing parts and clean up the rest. It will be very cool to see it up and running with the bright headlights working again. I would not do a total restoration on it if it were mine.

Chris Lonero posted:

I have done many restorations on pre war tinplate. In this case you know the history on it and it is your families history so I would get it in good working order and maybe replace some of the missing parts and clean up the rest. It will be very cool to see it up and running with the bright headlights working again. I would not do a total restoration on it if it were mine.

Agreed. This is a nice set--especially the cars. A good cleaning, new wheels and other parts for the loco and you have a nice family heirloom / collector's item. The 10 is a common loco, so if you really wanted to upgrade your set without restoration, you could always find another one that more closely matches the condition of your cars. Boxes too--bonus!!

John

Set of wheels, & 2 cast headlights, & bulbs,  rewire while apart. Parts are available here.  Harry

if you want this engine repaired call me.  I do excellent work.  been repairing and restoring trains for 30 years.  thanks  call ken at 440-943-4482

lol... hard to believe U/L was in business 40 years by this time.

seems as though light bulb sockets were more standardized than household outlets.

What a great heirloom!

Peter

I'm with those who say don't mess with the paint.  I think it would be a great idea to get the replacement parts for the headlights to get them working and replace the rotted wheels in order to get the set running but leave the rest alone. As has been said, you have a family treasure and every mark and ding on that set is uniquely connected to some member of your family and your family history.