The auction will probably be over by the time you read this, but there’s an 8x8 Lionel display layout on the bay that was a prize from Cheerios: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-1951-Original-Postwar-Lionel-Cheerios-Contest-Top-Prize-8x8-Display-Layout-/382235596667?hash=item58ff04577b:g:OOYAAOSwPfZZyObI
It sold at 9:46 PM for $7,330, just checked.
It’s in remarkable condition for it’s age.
That seller frequently has Lionel display layouts and other dealer stuff.
It looks like the layout on the 1952 poster “Hey Fellows! Let’s Build a Railroad!”.
IF ONLY I WAS THE SOLE HALF BILLION LOTTO WINNER…
Montana? Shipping back then as now must have been hell
Did they have reliable electrical service in 1952?
The price CERTAINLY NOT unreasonable
I agree. But WAY out of my league! [;)]
Hi Becky,
You and everyone else will find the entire story of the Cheerios contest and the layout on eBay in the brand-new “extra” issue of Classic Toy Trains–our annual special-interest publication–All-Star Electric Trains. This 100-page publication has all-new articles, including the history of the display and others made for the contest. I began researching the story 25 years ago and only now did I have what I needed to finish the article. I hope you and other CTT readers will enjoy it.
Best,
Roger Carp
Senior editor
Looking forward to seeing it Roger, and thanks for all your hard work!
25 years of research? You must have the patience of a saint!
Mee too! [:D] I ordered it recently along with Great Trains Freight.