Acquired a 6-1867 set complete NIB. My question is being this was only made in 1978 should I keep it un-used or say the heck with it and run it? No, it`s not for sale as of now. Just wondering if these sets are like bottles of wine and get better with age.
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I have the loco in a set break up. Nice looking engine. First Lionel with an EMD C-C truck
The only value is in running it. It is rare that, adjusting for inflation, when you sell a train, you get the same price or higher than you paid for it. If you want to run it, feel free.
If you are thinking of keeping the set sealed as an investment, IMHO, its unlikely to appreciate very much in value.
If you are thinking of keeping the set sealed because you want to own something that is somewhat unusual / unique, then by all means do so.
If it were mine I would run it. just make sure you lubricate the engine especially the armature gear. Store the boxes in a good place and it will last a long time.
franktrain
photo from the internet.
The tri-level auto racks tended to be top heavy. The bi-levels are steady; L still imports them today.
The value of the Milwaukee Special has long since peaked. There is nothing particularly rare in the set. I remember when it came out in around '78, it was a sought after set then. Lionel never made a dummy SD-18 to match. I would guess without looking you would be lucky to get 250.00 - 300.00 for the set in today's market. But at the same token, not much action with the diesel compared to today's locomotives, doesn't even have a horn. Not a lot of operating fun. So if you decide to open it and run the set you are not going to loose much value. My $.02.
Keep it clean and looking like new.
Make sure the gears are lubricated on the Milwaukee Road locomotive.
If you run the train set, record videos of the train operating.
Andrew
The Tri-Level Auto Carriers can be weighted down with Mattel Hot Wheels automobiles.
Andrew
Have fun run it. I do recommend taking the brush plate off and add fresh lube to both ends of the armature(just a small dab on top). It is an easy one to work on. Work slowly and you can remove the brush plate without unsoldering the wires.
Its value is as a toy and the fun you can have playing with it. If you decide to sell it new or used its value is only going to be what someone is willing to pay for it at the time.
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