I recently acquired a 1688 “Torpedo” 2-4-2 with an un-numbered non whistle tender, 1679 “Baby Ruth” boxcar and 2682 NYC caboose, all of which sport diecast trucks and knuckle couplers (electromagnetic in the case of the 1688 and 2682).
My question is: Was this a postwar upgrade? If so, did Lionel service centers offer this option? The riveting on the trucks looks awfully good to be homemade. Or did Lionel market them with knuckle couplers?
Also, I need a replacement 1688 marker lamp. Where can I get one?
In any event, it’s nice to have these 70 or so year old beauties buzzing about my layout…
The answer to your question is yes. Some previous owner mounted postwar trucks/w knuckle couplers on the tender, boxcar, & caboose. Lionel never did offer this as an option either. It was a home made job you have there. Prewar Lionel Trains started out with Hook, then Latch, & finally Box Couplers. they never used knuckle couplers at all. I have a Marker Light for your 1688. E-mail me at: kwoodworth816@hotmail.com & I’ll send it your way. Take Care.
I sure can’t add anything to what Keith has said…other than NICE! I think I would have paid extra for a set with the knuckle couplers just to have something that was compatible with PW.
BTW, Keith,
I’m sorry to report I missed a 1688 with 3 cars being offered at the swap meet last weekend. I was next in line at the table when the guy in front of me dropped $175 for the set. They looked almost too glossy to be originals but they were. The search continues! [banghead]
I sure can’t add anything to what Keith has said…other than NICE! I think I would have paid extra for a set with the knuckle couplers just to have something that was compatible with PW.
Yep, I’ve already pulled some postwar cars with it just 'cause…
I’m sorry to report I missed a 1688 with 3 cars being offered at the swap meet last weekend. I was next in line at the table when the guy in front of me dropped $175 for the set. They looked almost too glossy to be originals but they were. The search continues!
Er…would this be the wrong time for me to mention that the 1688, two cars, two prewar manual switches and a few 027 curves set me back just over a C-note? [:-^]
A diecast door on your 1679 Boxcar you say? The 1679s had sheet metal doors. Again, another home made fabrication done to your train.
Bruce- Don’t worry. You & the 63 Corvair are still invited to Ohio even though you bought a GG-1 instead of a 1688 set in excellent condition.[#oops][:-^][:-^][sigh][;)][;)][;)][:P][:o)][:o)][:I] You’re forgiven. Take Care all.
