Helped a buddy of mine replace the bad motor armature out of his tinplate 253. He brought it over last weekend to take a shakedown run on my layout. I think this is a Lionel set #174 from 1928-1929. Nice to see a 90+ yr old train set running again. Pay no attention to the red bulb in the first coach. 
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Unless it came with some accessories... and a box its most likely Set #296 from the same era. This train WAS included in #174, and there is no way to tell the difference that I know of, unless you have the set box and other contents.
@Rob English posted:Unless it came with some accessories... and a box its most likely Set #296 from the same era. This train WAS included in #174, and there is no way to tell the difference that I know of, unless you have the set box and other contents.
To add to what Rob posted, your train likely came as a No. 296 outfit from 1928-29 as shown below. Included was a No. 068 Warning Signal, a No. 81 controlling Rheostat, and a loop of track (not shown).
Enjoy!
Bob
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