Opinions Re: Lionel Aluminum Rico station

I have one on my layout.  I like it.  I believe it to be prototypically painted in various colors.  It has good lighting.  Very well built.

 

I have no idea what it is going for nowadays.  MSRP was $400.

  We have one on our modular layout. And it looks great ! See it on Youtube just search High Plains 3 Railers.

   I don't think the paint is prototypical. I have a piece of the original Rico Station.

  But I'm sure they painted the building many times. Who really knows.

I think that it is worth the investment. It is one of Lionel's nicest station offerings.

 

 

A close-up look...

 

Makes one wonder how many different manufacturers have produced this model in various scales.

 

IMHO They are a very nice addition. Some look better on a tinplate layout. I've been waiting for one of the TCA releases to surface (at a reasonable price).

The plastic one is quite a bit cheaper. Do you have to have the aluminum one?

Guys 

Thanks for the input.  I will start looking on EBay as much as I hate it.

 

RoyBoy I don't know that I need the aluminum version.  I am doing more investigating.

Plastic or metal, depends upon what you will be happy with. Side by side, their is a considerable difference in appearance.

 

I found my aluminum version new in box at York for $ 125.00. If you shop, you may also find one at a bargain price.

PTC,

My goodness, what a deal! I've been searching high & low for the Lionel aluminum station made especially for TCA. So far the cheapest I have seen was, $335.00 about six-months ago (I had to pass).

The aluminum Rico Station is a beautiful piece. The only problem is the beveled base, but than can easily be disguised. Yes, it is worth looking for, IMHO.

The Atlas station is also a great choice but needs a platform underneath it. In addition to the "concrete" platform and stairs, the goose neck lamp has been added to this station.

OK, you are asking for opinions to help making an important decision, and I would

highly Recommend The Aluminum Rico Station. It's structurally sound, has a highly detailed Exterior, interior lighting, brass door hardware, and is just The Best Postwar and Modern Ere Station Made. The answer should be, simply Yes. Happy Railroading.

Happy Pappy -- Grzyboski Trains has the TCA Rico in Kit form for $50.00 on their website.

There's only one problem, it's plastic. Thanks for the heads up anyway.

Seldom that folks will find an aluminum version that cheap nowadays, unless a seller is just outright desperate for quick-sale $$$... which is always a possibility I suppose.  

 

Charlie Ro did have these on "super special" many, many years ago for $179.95 -- roughly a year or two after they were initially released.  Haven't seen them that low nowadays though.  Rather the low- to mid-$300's seems more likely in today's secondary market.

 

David

Actually, Rocky they are on EBay for $180-$200 these days.  I know of a dealer who has one but wants $400 for his