Just picked this up today from a show, any help identifying anything would be helpful. I’ll be in need of a few parts I’m sure. Thanks!!!
Okay, may have stumbled upon it. 1700 “junior” set made in the 30’s?
Hold on while I get my Lionel collector book…
Thumpity-thumpity-thumpity-thumpity…
OK, I’m back. Yep, it sure looks like a Lionel 1700 set, circa 1935 to 1937.
A question: I don’t see any pick-ups under the locomotive. Is it electric or wind-up?
Yep, that’s one of the parts I need. Thanks for looking it up!!!
One other quick question. I’ve seen them on ebay with three cars, was that how they came in a set or did they just add a car to make it longer?
OK. back to the book. Luckily it’s to hand, I don’t have to run up the stairs this time!
According to the book, “Collector’s Guide to Prewar Lionel Trains, 1900-1942” by David Doyle there were three cars available, the 1701 coach, the 1702 observation, and the 1703 front end car. Add the 1700 diesel unit and you’ve got a four piece set.
Hope this helps. For parts I’d suggest www.henningstrains.com. They’ve got a pretty good inventory of pre-war parts, original and reproduction, plus paints to match.
Thanks again for the info!!! That book should probably be on my short list of things to get.
Unfortunately the book I referenced is out of print! I got mine from www.collectorscompanion.com. They used to display at local antique shows here in Virginia. They MAY still have one or two, I’d contact them to find out.
For other Lionel collector books you could try TM Books and Video.
Good luck!
From the photos, it appears to be painted aluminum, and not chrome, which would make your set a Type III. The Type I and II are chrome finish, with “fluted sides”, not smooth. The type III is listed as 1936, 1937, with value of $175 VG, $225 EXC condition. The set would either be Set #1065E (1936) or #1066E (1937).
Thanks for the additional info!!! Just cleaned it up and got it running, now just need to order some pick-ups.
They published that sucker back in the 70’s… How long have you had your copy?
Collectors Guide to Prewar Lionel Trains 1900-1942 by David Doyle
17 new from $7.95 at Amazon
Are you talking about the TM book? The book I’ve got, the “Collectors Guide…” by David Doyle was published in 2007.
I don’t have the TM book, I was assuming they still have something like it in inventory.
…and the prototype for the train is the GM&O Rebel.
That’s a very nice train , I had picked up a box of trains several years ago and it had a couple of these sets in it plus some misc items , One of the sets was wind up the other was electric , It was a nice inexpensive passenger set to run and fun to see it rolling on the tracks again after so many years in a box
If anyone has a 12 spoke wheel (non gear) that would fit this 1700e and would like to sell, please let me know. [:$]