I’m in the midst of restoring a Lionel #1107, Donald Duck Handcar from 1936-37. This was the clockwork companion to the Mickey and Minnie Handcar first issued in 1934. Thousands of these were sold for $1 each ( with track ) during those dark days of the depression, giving kids that could otherwise not afford a train something to run under the tree.
I aquired this partially complete example years ago from a neighbor who dug it out of an old drive shed where it had sat neglected for years. At the time I had no idea what it was but have since found out some info. Now that I’m restoring this item I need some missing pieces. Both Disney figures ( Donald and Pluto ) are missing. I believe these to be made of stamped metal. Donald is about 6-7" tall and I assume is pivoted to move as if operating the handcar while Pluto ( on the other end of the cars doghouse ) bobs his head.
If anyone has these two figures and is willing to part with them I’d sure appreciate it. I understand that these items probably won’t be cheap so take your best shot. [;)]
Also, if anyone has more historical or technical info on the Donald and Pluto Handcar I’d love to hear it.
Bruce : I’m not positive, but I think that little car saved Lionel from going into bancruptcy that year. Wish you the best in acquiring those two figures. That will be difficult, I think. Keep us posted on the progress !!
Hello Bruce! There is a place called “Restoration Train Parts” based in Gloversville,NY & their phone# is: 1-518-725-4446 (11am-3pm) I have bought parts from there before & have had success in finding some parts for 1688s there. You can also try the Train Tender Website & Jeff Kane as he also has lots of Prewar Lionel Parts & there is also Dr.Tinker’s Toy Train Parts on the Web. One of them should have what you’re looking for here or refer you to someone who has the parts on hand. There is another place called Pride Lines also on the web that has manufactured the Prewar Lionel Handcars for years & they might be of some help to you. John- The Mickey Mouse Handcar is what you were thinking about in reference to Lionel’s 1934-35 Bankruptcy. That did not actually save Lionel as was widely reported at the time. What did save Lionel was the Publicity about the Handcar & the Improvements they made to their product line & also some of the Newer Train’s like the M-10000 coming out on the market during that time period. Take Care.
Thanks for the info which I am printing out for future use. I will definitely look at these.
How’s the new 269E set? Some seem a bit disappointed at the finish.
John,
While it is known that profits made on the Mickey and Minnie handcar couldn’t have saved Lionel, these clockwork sets were great promotional tools. Inside each set was a Lionel brochure promoting Lionel’s other new products, which at the time were pretty irresistable. So, indirectly it could be said that the little Mouse did save the mighty Lion.
Hi Bruce- I have not run the 269E yet. However, I think that it looks terrific as did the Guys at the Trading Post where I got it from & I showed it to my family here & they were impressed with the looks of it as well. I do believe it is a keeper as it is nice to see New Tinplate & as has been pointed out before this set has the Old School Technology in it ( 3-Pole AC Motor & Mechanical E-Unit) The only electronics in this set is the Trainsounds in the Tender which is a plus for this set as Lionel most likely wanted to give buyer’s something extra for their money & as for the Paint I wish folks would read the fine print on the back of the Catalogs which plainly states that Color’s, Features, & Graphic’s are subject to change in regards from prototype to the final production model seen on store shelves. I think that some of the guys complaining about the paint sheen do not read the fine print or just like to complain anyway?[;)][:)] Anyhow, Lionel Did make their Steam Engines & Rolling Stock Both Ways in the prewar era. Some had shiny paint while others where Semi-Gloss in looks. I like it just the way it is & if Lionel Comes back out with the 1688 Train Sets, you can believe I will buy one,or two, or three! Nyuck,Nyuck,Nyuck![:o)][:o)][:o)] Take Care.
A few other good sources of parts are George Tebolt and Olsens Toys. They may not have the parts but may be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck in your search and restoration and be sure to post photos of your progress.