New to tin plate

ShandsP,

You are a very wise person for seeking answers. Most of all for not allowing yourself to be caught up in the heat of the moment. The one thing that stands out to me is that the lumber car is missing it's original load. Repros are cheap, originals increase value. I'm looking for my set book at this time. Keep in mind, some minute scratches are normal, however, missing original parts are not(the lead truck on the locomotive). I'll try to find the other answers you're looking for. Someone else might chime in with the answers.

great looking set, good luck!

Does it run?  I'd like to see a good photo of the engine.  Those pieces look in really nice shape. 

Well its not a set as Lionel put out. The loco with the 265T tender came with the 657 caboose, and tank car in set 234E from 1937, but your missing the 652 Gondola and 653 Hopper car. The ore dump and log flat are add on's they most likely purchased over the years. The loco is the key as they are relatively popular and good runners. It looks to be in nice condition. Original lead trucks are not that hard to come by as Lionel used them on a few different locos. The boxes are tattered so they don't help much with the value. I'm thinking somewhere around $250 would be more than fair for the lot.

 

G

Gandy,

Dave, I appreciate your chiming in. I was having one heck of a time (stinkin shakes) looking things up. It still looks like a nice "piece-mill set". Thank you!

I have been collecting and selling Tin Plate for a long time, "O", and Standard gauge trains and accessories. When Lionel and then MTH starting issuing Tin Plate I started to sell off my older Lionel and some Ives. I only kept the Ives and a few Lionel sets. I did not sell any of my accessories.  If I was starting out today, I would really look into new MTH Tin Plate.  First off you get great quality, along with sound, smoke and if you want PS2 and PS3. Now most of my Standard gauge trains are new MTH and I just love looking at them and running them. The set you are looking at if I was going to make an offer, I would start at $ 125. Tin Plate is a good way to enjoy trains! Good Luck

ShandsP,

  Pappy is right on the money with his statement, this a nice little piece meal train.

Make sure the engine runs properly before you purchase it, and do not over pay for it, lots of them were built.  Missing pieces should not be a real big problem.

PCRR/Dave

Nice looking set. I wouldn't think twice about picking that up if I were comfortable with the price.  There is nothing that can not be fixed on that set, and there are no parts that can not be picked up off ebay as originals or repro from a parts dealer. 

 

Make sure the engine wheels are not swelling and cracking and same for the cab.  Current parts dealer pricing for the cab and wheel set would set you back $70-80 not counting paint or time.

 

Good Luck and welcome!

Thanks for all the responses.  The OGR Forum is the best!  There is such a vast amount of knowledge available to all of us here.  All this knowledge is made possible by members like you all.
HappyPappy:  I never noticed the lumber car was missing it's load.  Does the lumber car dump the logs out? 
William:  I'm not sure it runs or not.  He's a friend of the family.  From what I gather talking to him everything has been in their boxes since inheriting them.  He's been unknowingly smart about keeping them out of extreme temperature and moisture areas.  I'll see if he can get some more photos for me.
GandyDancer:  The only set I found with this engine and tender had red passenger cars.  I couldn't find the freight set.  So none of the cars are correct for this 265t or both the 265e & 265t together?  Are the front trucks hard install?  I don't really care if the cars are from a set, it's more for the nostalgia.
DennissHeller:  what do you mean by wheel and cab swelling?

Maint:  I really like the MTH pS2/PS3 tinplate versions.  I can't imagine the thrill of watching these beautiful locomotives with all sounds and smoke.  My favorite is the Blue Comet.  I'm still trying to build my prototype roster up before delving into tinplate.  I'm huge into history, so that is the driving force for buying Pre War and Post War.
PCRRDave:  I own two business's, the one thing I've learned is don't let your heart make transactions for you.  So I totally agree with you on not over paying for it.  My wife and I are looking into adopting a girl.  With the expense of adopting I'm not making any major purchase this year.  I'm just concentrating on our layout and running trains.  Hopefully the seller and I can work something out, assuming the locomotive is in working order.

ShandsP,

  That is a nice looking collection. For its age, they all seem to be in great shape. Many times, a little thorough cleaning of the rollers, wheels, armature will get the locomotive up and running. 

  The mid-late 1930's was a good time at Lionel. May we all look so good when we are in our 80's!

   Tom

Also, the lead and trailing trucks are easy to install, you just need horseshoe clips and a pair of needle nose pliers.

Tom