Prewar Lionel set

It's Outfit No 1059 introduced in 1940.   Neat little 0-4-0 switcher heads it up.

Have fun.

Lew Schneider

My question is why is there a 167 controller included?

Wow. I kinda thought either 42 or 43 from listening to him but he really did remember too much. Thank you for the outfit number. I think the set is so cool. I had Lionel as a child in the mid and late 50's bt they were Post War because of the couplers and I knew my Dad had purchased them. Have no idea of outfit numbers or even what we had. Just remember that there were two Steam Sets fed b a ZW four handle transformer. I remember a few buildings and our local Doctor giving me Lionel War Bonnet Passenger set in 67'.

Chuck I don't know but the box has 167 on it and truthfully I did not pull the items out of the box.

Thank You Gentlemen. What a pleasure to get answers from a forum like this. Very Rewarding!

CurtisH posted:

Thank You Gentlemen. What a pleasure to get answers from a forum like this. Very Rewarding!

Curtis, I was delighted to see your question addressed so well. These OGR regulars are incredible, walking encyclopedias and more. They know so much AND are able to retrieve the needed information at the drop of a hat. To top it off, they are so good and kind as to volunteer their vast knowledge and experience.

So three cheers to the OGReers!

My guess is that the 167 controller was purchased separately to permit much easier reverse operation.

The 1940 1059 set had the low priced 1039 transformer which had no reverse button. But if you hooked it to the 167 controller you could reverse the locomotive with the push of a button.  The 1059 set did not have a whistle in the tender, but if a whistle tender had ever been purchased, the 167 could activate the whistle as well.

The 1059 set also appeared in the 1941 catalogue. The locomotive was now equipped with an "electric"front coupler and all cars were equipped with "electric couplers".

In 1942, the set was renumbered 1130 with the exact same rolling stock.

So it is quite possible that the set was acquired in 1942 or 1943 as you remembered.

Lew Schneider

Lew

I went back and checked out some more and discovered a small box saying it had 12 ties wire and lock on. Lock on is on track and the 12 ties were in the box marked 167 Whistle controller. NO WHISTLE CONTROLLER WAS INCLUDED HOWEVER. The transformer is a #1034 with a direction button. I am so amazed by this set. So if I understand correctly this could be a 40' 41' or 42' set #1059 unless it is a 42' which would be a 1130. Am I correct? Would be interesting to know which it is for sure.

Chuck - I am now wondering about the 167 also and now also where is it?

Pete -Could not have said it any better about this forum. Very Knowledgeable people for sure.

Curtis

I hope you can post photos, too.  It sounds like a great set! 

I will try to take some photos and post. I am still in shock that he gave it to me ans in awe at it.