How to tell painted or unpainted rolling stock

How do you tell the difference between a painted and unpainted postwar car? I have a 6315 Lionel Lines tank car that I believe is the rare painted one, but I’m not entirely sure.

Painted cars usually (but not always) have chips or scratches somewhere through which the original color of the plastic will show. Ironically, if you have a very well preserved car, it may be difficult (if not impossible) to tell the difference. But look the car over carefully, including the bottom. If possible, remove the frame from the chassis and check underneath the frame too.

John Gottcent

Sorry. I meant to say remove the shell (not the frame) if possible. Check underneath where it’s not usually visible. Also, if you can peer inside the shell, that’s sometimes a giveaway.

John

Thanks for the tips. Also, does anyone know what the value of a painted 6315 would be? It has the original window box with the cellophane still attached. It also only has one operating coupler, which as I understand can also effect the value.

wm#734,

The Greenberg Value of a 6315, Lionel Lines 1-D Tank Car, 63-66

Unpainted Orange Body: Good-$15, Exc.-$23

Painted Orange Body: Good-$144, Exc.-$400

David Doyle (Sorry Bob N.) Postwar Lionel Trains 1945-1969

Painted: VG-$75, Ex-$125, Ln-$225

Unpainted: Vg- $10, Ex-$20, Ln-$40

There is a BIG difference between the 2 guides.

John

That is a considerable difference. I am glad that it’s worth so much, as I only paid $12 for it! One more question: does the fact that it is in a window box effect the value at all?

I’ll try and post a picture soon.