I got back into trains just over a year ago after 4 unsuccessful attempts at building HO layouts (we always moved!), ending in basically giving everything away as part of the last move. 5 years later- I "discovered" O-Gauge. Before I even HAD the tables or the track etc. for my layout, a friend and I went to a Show at Lakeland Community College (Mentor/Kirtland OH) where I looked for my first O gauge engine.
I found a guy there with several tables, selling quite a few Lionel items. He had some nice PW O and O27 Lionel Hudsons. He had several 2055's, all in great condition and all at similar prices- between $ 150- $175.
I asked: "which should I buy?? Do they all run good??" He said: "Sure they all run great- I have gone through each of them, and they do everything they were supposed to do. But you won't be running them." I said "I WILL be running all of my engines!" He repeated: "Most guys just use them as collectibles- just for display."
I bought a 2055- and as I walked away with the engine wrapped in paper, and in a bag, turned back to him and said: " Do you want to buy a collectible for $ 235??" He just waved his arms, dismissing me, but in good humor, as a newbie.
I run that engine pretty regularly- and it (still) runs like it was brand new. And, it was Made in the USA, and in the New York area - probably at the time THE most expensive labor market in the World. But they built them HERE, and quite successfully. It was a great time.
How many toys built today will be running in 66 years??
