hthttp://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd212/jdct45/5f3c_1.jpg?t=1217643743
Hello Folks
Bought this on ebay to restore,but the auction didnt state what lionel model it is. Any assistance would beappreciated.
Thanks
J.J.
Unless I am mistaken, the locomotive in your photo is the Lionel 1689E.
There is a photograph and a short description of the loco on page 217 of O’Brien’s Collecting Toy Trains, 6th Edition in the lower left hand column.
It is described as being a NYC Commodore Vanderbilt style 2-4-2 that was made 1936-1937.
I have no experience with this particular locomotive, however it looks like it has the same running gear as the 1688E PRR Torpedo (1936-40). I have two of them (well 1 1/2 I have parts to the second, as my wife was so taken by the first one I bought, that she bought me the shell for another at a train show in Old Greenwich, CT some months ago.) As long as there is no major corrosion the engine should just need a bit of lubrication and cleaning, and maybe a little TLC (Temper, Liquor, and Cursing [oX)] )
I hope you enjoy your “new” Lionel locomotive.
James
I agree with James. There was also an O gauge version, the 289E, from the same time period, probably uncatologed. The 289E used the same motor with the O gauge Baldwin disc drivers. I need one, nice buy.
I realised the shortcomings of my reference material. I thought it was a 289e at first,but when I read your post I discovered that my book had no 027 gage. I’m using the Prewar Train Book by David Doyle. Don’t get me wrong I’m very happy with it, but now I know it is not complete. So I went to my backup a 99 cnt Cd with sale books and parts. In 1938 the sales Catalog has the 289e with new Baldwin drivers. It was a fun question.
Hello Johnjay!
Your Engine is most certainly a 1689E & it is from 1936 as that is the first year they were made & they were black in color. In 1937, the color was changed to Gunmetal Grey. The 289E mentioned in this thread is a very hard engine to find & are priced accordingly. The 1689Es pulled the 1600 series tin litho freights & passenger cars. The 289E pulled a set of passenger cars similar to the Flying Yankee & they were Chrome Plated also. This would be an excellent train for Lionel’s Prewar Celebration Series & maybe they will make one. Who knows? Take Care.
Thanks for your assistance guys I really appreciate it.
J.J
John,
I have the later version that Kieth spoke of. They are nice engines. Be careful when you put her on the tracks and fire her up…they can be very fast. A good cleaning and lubrication will do wonders. Also, you can take a wire wheel to the side rods AFTER you REMOVE THEM! take them off to do this as you don’t want small wire pieces in your engine. Good Luck with the restoration. I have the tin cars that Kieth mentioned too as well as the whistle tender. The tender has the best whistle of any of my motor driven whistles.
Dennis
JOHNJAY…I ZOOMED THE ONLY PHOTO AND THE COSMETIC CONDITION LOOKS GOOD SAVE FOR THE SIDE RODS AS DENNIS POINTED OUT. AND JAMES SUGGESTED JUST CLEANING AND LUBRICATION. I CONCUR.
WHAT DOES THE UNIT LOOK LIKE UP CLOSE AND UNDERNEATH?
JACK
Good buy, that was my first vintage Lionel. Look what it started! Anyway the loco is nice, i would highly suggest leaving the paint alone. Repainting it would be a shame as most of these low priced engines are in far worse condition.
You can repaint an Engine 1000 times but it is only original, dressed as Lionel intended ONCE!
The 289E was identical as far as the casting to your loco except for the 289e lacked an e-unit slot in the shell. It also did not pull the O-gauge flying yankee cars, but the smaller 1703/1701/1702 Lionel Jr. Passenger streamliners in chrome and red, or aluminum and red. The 1689e was also in an Uncatalogued sears set in 1937-38 with teal 1690 series pullmans and the loco had no red marker lights. A tough variation to find. Enjoy it and good luck.