Repainting 2332 GG-1

Check with Jeff Sohn here on the forum.

Tom, Jeff is great, I have seen his work.

But remember a repaint is never as valuable as the original, black GG-1 as case in point.

Its all in what you want, I probably have the only Louisville and Nashville GG-1 in existance, looks good to me and runs great, but value wise its worth more in parts to most people, but it looks good pulling a L&N passenger set.

Rod

I recommend:

Christine"s Custom Painting
She Just finished some custom work for the Choo Choo Bob show!
It turned out very nice.

Christina Braden
412-715-5204
cbraden77@comcast.net

Tell her Mark Harley sent you!

Didn't realize that Elliot Welz was still around. Years ago when I first got into the hobby (1989) he was 'famous' for his GG1 restorations...

Elliot still sets up in the back row of the Orange Hall at York. Many years (decades) ago I had him paint several G's for me. They all turned out great. He used to do just stripes but some were pawning his work off as original Lionel, so he only does whole cabs. 2332's used to be $50 or so, and dual motored G's a bit more because of the heat stamping impressions. I imagine the prices are quite a bit higher now. He was always backlogged and at times wouldn't take any more work.

He has branched out into restoring other items. He's always busy.

The stripes have always been a pain to redo. Many years ago someone made Lionel G stripe decals, but no more. I've used dry transfers, but they're pretty tough to get right, especially over the vent ribs. Champion made scale stripes, but they wouldn't fit the Lionel.

There are probably thousands of Lionel single and dual motored G's out there and all they need to look nice is a new set of rubber stamped stripes. It is surprising no one has been able to come up with a way to do it. The nose curve and coming to a fine point are killers, as is the ink formula. The collector purists who have nice originals like it that way, I'm sure. Most all the value in an otherwise complete G is in the patina/condition of the stripes. I would imagine Elliot's paint masks are pretty valuable.

Even Lionel had problems, from the very first 2332 to the last ones made in Michigan. It seems China has it figured out, for the most part.

You should be able to find him here- WELZRESTORER@YAHOO.COM
His work and Harry Heike's are the very best there is.
Rob

I have used Elliot for two GG-1 restorations. He also restored a Lionel #315 Bridge for me.

All work was top notch. You will not be disappointed.

Paul

Another excellent source is Len Carparelli, in NJ; his work is superb! (He's in TCA.) DK

quote:

Originally posted by tgtrains:
Has anybody ever had your favorite train repainted by Elliot Welz. I know there are alot of great refinishers out there. My wife bought me a fixer-upper for Christmas. I'm trying to decide how much to spend if I restore it. Also I noticed on Ebay restored GG-1 bodys sell for more money than originals. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks , Tom

I had a gg1 shell repainted by mr Welz many years ago.Fantastic job.Well worth the wait.

I've been wanting to try my hand at restoring a green GG1 shell. Someday...

I had Elliott repaint two GG-1’s for me back in the late 1970’s and they still look brand new!

HTH

Eliot Welz is the man to see for GG1 repaint/re-storing. He painted several for me years ago and they are still looking like new! He did the first "Black Jack"
scheme with the added details and striping on the cab and the pantographs, truely impressive when seen. See Eliot for the best job. Dennis M.

quote:

The stripes have always been a pain to redo... all they need to look nice is a new set of rubber stamped stripes. It is surprising no one has been able to come up with a way to do it. The nose curve and coming to a fine point are killers, as is the ink formula....

If I remember correctly CTT did an article where a former Lionel worker said the stripes were applied by rubber rollers. It was a large piece of equipment and the worker would pull a lever and the rubber stamp wheels would roll the stripes on to one side of the GG1 cab in one motion.

I'd had Eliot Welz restore 4 of my GG-1s & his work was flawless.

quote:

Originally posted by tgtrains:
Has anybody ever had your favorite train repainted by Elliot Welz. I know there are alot of great refinishers out there. My wife bought me a fixer-upper for Christmas. I'm trying to decide how much to spend if I restore it. Also I noticed on Ebay restored GG-1 bodys sell for more money than originals. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks , Tom

I had my Fundimensions GG1 repainted by Elliot Welz thirty years ago.  He did an outstanding job, repainting it into the five stripe version of 4935, Brunswick Green.  I had wondered if he was still around.  I have since moved on to large scale LGB, but have kept my G and the five congressional passenger cars.   

If you attend York Elliot Welz will take your shell now and you can pick it up in April to avoid shipping fees. I have had work done by him , Len C. and now I'm trying Nostalgia Train Works. So far Elliot is the best but sometimes I need the shell back faster.

What is the average price Eliot charges?

Rob

It's been several years since he restored my father's 2360. I don't recall the exact price but I'm going to say it was in the range of $60-70. 

 

Bob