Rather than post to the active thread asking about whether a specific tender shell was original or reproduction, I thought I would start a new thread about the general characteristics of reproduction shells.
When reproduction flatcar loads and tender shells originally hit the market, I bought some of them (not every item) to have samples I could examine in order to be able to tell originals from reproductions. I pulled out four older examples, made by MTSI.
Since I didn't always keep track of parts purchases, my notes on these shells are incomplete. I know that I purchased the 1666T and 746W reproduction shells in 1996. I think the shells with white lettering were also available with silver lettering. All the 2046W style MTSI shells came in small white, thin cardboard boxes with a small "Made in Korea" sticker. I don't think I have any 1666T shells in boxes.
shell # 1 and #2 (both the same)
2046 style tender
painted
White Pennsylvania letttering - probably silk screened, not heat stamped
has open backup light holes
inside of the shell is very shiney.
"RWG" markings inside - very sloppy, looks like it was done by hand with a hot, sharp tip
shell #3
2046 style tender
painted
made up as a 746W - lettering and striping painted - perhaps silk screened
Open backup light holes
inside of the shell is very shiney
no RWG or any other markings inside
shell #4
1666W style tender
White Lionel Lines lettering - probably silk screened, not heat stamped
has open holes for various wire hand rails (not included)
Inside markings:
quote:
Lionel is a registered trademark of
The Lionel Corporation: reproduction manufactured
by Foreign Tire Sales, Inc., under license from
Lionel Trains Inc.
