Track box colors, what year switched?

I think the copyright date on the red/white track box is 1956. The first set in my collection with the new box is a 1957 set (20325). All my 1956 (and earlier) sets seem to still have the blue/yellow box. I'm not 100% sure if this would indicate 1957 as a clear point of change, however.

EDIT: I checked a second 20325 set in my collection (the one with the 930 caboose requiring removal of screws to change the bulb) and it had the "plain" (white?) track box.

I don't think there is a clear point of change.  I have two 56 sets with mixed boxes.  Remember, these were toys and Gilbert probably used both boxes in sets till they ran out of the old ones. 

Thanks Guys.  

Craig, do you have a 20320 or 5620T set by chance?

rick s posted:

Thanks Guys.  

Craig, do you have a 20320 or 5620T set by chance?

Rick,

No, I don't really have this as a "set". I do have examples of much of the mid-1950s stuff, including the components that would have made up the 5620T/20320, but I never purchased the items as a boxed set.

If this is the set you're looking for, maybe another forum member has one, or you could easily "piece together" a set by browsing a site like eBay. There are always tons of 283 locomotives for sale, and the cars are relatively common:

928 plastic New Haven lumber (not log) car

937 MKT box car with tuscan roof and ends

925 Gulf tank car - the 1956 version would have a die-cast frame, 1957 might be plastic frame

977 action caboose with rubber man (though some sets reportedly came with the plain 930)

A set like this just sold on eBay last week. They show up pretty regularly.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-GIL...rksid=p2047675.l2557

It looks like that set had the earlier "metal man" version of the 977 (much easier to find), so that is probably also correct for a 5620T set.

If you are seriously looking for this set I'll keep my eyes open.

Craig

Thanks Craig.  Yes.  I am actively lookiing for either one.  But, I am in no rush.  I am watching eBay for each piece separately in great condition and will buy them if I see them, and I think the price is reasonable.  

I saw that set on eBay.  Unfortunately, it had a replacement engine housing because the original cow catcher was broken off.  I probably should have purchased it anyway. 

1957 was the transition year.

Tin