I had someone give me a circa 1948 era Lionel set. Nothing interesting as it was a 1655 engine, whistle tender, Sunoco tank car, Pennsy gondola and ubiquitous SP caboose (probably starter set.) and four poor condition manual O-27 switches and bundles of track. The engine had been so run to death, that one side rod hole had worn through and fallen off, and its crosshead slider was missing. I will probably pass everything to a dealer if he wants it, as I don't think it has value except parts.
Was interesting to read the 1948 yellow booklet "Instructions for Assembling and Operating Lionel Trains" and noted accessories listed and how to lubricate the engine and wheels. There was an insert of 1948-49 repair stations and looking at Pittsburgh PA (where I grew up) listing, immediately recognize Ferry Electric and Quick Service Electric where my dad bought my first Lionel 2055 engine set as well as future accessories (and I still have every piece and boxes!). Ah the memories. 
If I had lived in Cedar Rapids, I would have to send my trains to Davenport or Dubuque for repairs. Not sure who sold Lionel in Cedar Rapids, but one was Newmans department store (long defunct) because I have a Lionel O-22 switch pair whose box is stamped Newmans and address.
As a bonus there was a Marx Commodore engine and an old Marx transformer (so old, theres no cord just two prongs like you had for old waffle irons or coffee pots), which I immediately gave both to my wife, the Marx collector (ain't I nice! 
)
So now that I have taken up your time reading, you can move onto more interesting topics than this. 
