Lionel Pre-War 0 gauge set 139

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Does anyone know how to find out when Lionel offered this set? 139 (not 139w)

2

The TCA book says 1931.

3

Thanks for your quick reply. I believe you are correct. What TCA book were you referencing? I am a TCA member but I don’t have any of their books (in fact I didn’t know they published any). I get the newsletter and other mailings. Best, Ron

4

1931 Lionel Catalog, Set # 139, $9.95

261 Steam Locomotive with copper trim and red stripe, 4 wheel tin tender

831 green 4 wheel flat car with load

807 red/green roof 4 wheel caboose

All cars have copper axel journals

8 curved OC track, 2 OS straight track

OTC lockon and # 068 Warning Sign

5

Lionel Trains, Standard of the World, 1900-1943; Donald S. Fraley, M.D., Editor; Compiled and Written by Fort Pitt Chapter Historical Committee, Train Collectors Association; 1976; ISBN 0-917896-01-7

Abebooks has 18 copies, starting at $7.50 + $7.95 shipping.

6

To add, The Train Collectors Association book on Pre-War (WW II), beautifully edited by the late Doc. Farley, has been published in two editions. The Second Addition has a cover price of $39.95 and was copyrighted in 1989. ISBN 0-917896-02-5, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 89-50826.

The book contains over 700 color photos and a seperate Lionel Color “chip chart”. The 1989 version was three years in the making and contains added photography, sections, and corrections. The original 1976 version, sold as a “fund raiser” to build the National Toy Train Museum, is easy to find at shows and on line at wide discounts.

7

Thank you for the information on the TCA book. I will keep my eyes out for it at York. Is the 2nd Edition significantly different than the TCA edition?

8

I am grateful for the list in the set. I have tried to buy a copy of the 1931 Lionel catalog but so far the ones offered on Ebay have been too expensive. I have a 1930 catalog, but of course it does not include this set.

9

Hi,

I acquired some prewar set boxes and one of the boxes is a 139. Can you tell me what goes in it?

thanks

John

10

Forget paper. This is the best resource for lionel catalogs ever:

http://www.hslinc.com/dahome/dalionelhome.html

they also make some tablet versions. I keep them on my ipad and phone and are easily reference them when at shows.

11
12

THank you