Lionel Back Shop 22918

Does anyone know what year this accessory came out? I saw one at the Allentown show last weekend and liked it. It is hugh. The guy wanted $295.00 for it. What is the going price on something like this?
laz57

The year is 1998 and the price range is from $305 to $435 according to Greenbergs Pocket price guide for Lionel, 1901 to 2006.
If it was in good shape and looked nice you should have bought it.
Lee F.

Laz,
Somewhere, I had read that they had a number of problems with the back shop and that is why it was discontinued. There are a few working parts and one with a motor growled like crazy. They had a fix for it, but it made it worse. I could be wrong about this, wouldn’t be the first and won’t be the last, but you may want to check it out before laying down such money.
Dennis

Thanks GIZ,
It was mint in the box. Thanks for the heads up on the problems? I’ll let this thread go and see if anyboby else knows more about this.
What was the foot print or size of this piece?
laz57

LAZ,

Its big. A PW steamer and tender fit inside. I have one that I bought when it came out.

I have had it out of the box twice (and it is in the box now) as I currently have no room for it. It is pretty cool, but can be finicky. I had to realign the bell crank assemblies that make the machines move. Gotta be careful to not blow the circuits as there is a mistake in the directions to hook it up. Lionel has the proper way to connect on line at their web site.

Mine also has the TMCC vs conventional smoke unit problem. I did not hear about the replacement board fix from Lionel until it was too late.

I do not think they took it off the market due to problems. It was a custom limited production run as have been several of their accessories (eg Route 66 item and some Lionelville items).

It is near 30 inches long by 16 inches wide by 10 inches high? (as I said it is in the box right now).

Hopefully some day I will have room for it. We have one on our club layout and it looks good.

Roy

Thanks ROY,
I saw it in the box at the show and was awed by it. HUGH as you said.
I don’t have room for it but my brother does and sort of has a JONES for it .
Ploblem is that the guy that has it lives in Jersey,. I asked for a business card and he did not have one. Oh well gives me something to hunt for at YORK.
Thanks again,
laz57