I decided to get it out of packing tonight. I got it for Christmas 1953, so it could be that year, I’m not sure how to tell. You can see where my late father’s head was, giving his 7 weel old son trains!
It was serviced December 1976 by a Fellow named James Scott as well as I remember.
He drew a layout of the track, cleaned the smoke system and put in a bottle of Lionel non corrosive oil. The newspaper it was wrapped in is December 1976.
I took a few pieces out, looked at them, wrapped them back in newspaper date 1989. how the time passes. I would love to set them up again, but no room. I have no heirs, so I wonder what will become of them. My wife loved seeing them tonight. Such memories.
I of course don’t have the boxes. the track in there looks like it might have been replaced, it’s more of a grey type finish, NO rust, ready to go. I have all the switch stations, transformer, controls. The locomotive has a few paint spots missing, no rust. the rest of the cars are like new, just a bit of dust. One spot of orange. I took pictures tonight, and can mail them if you wish, if anyone would enjoy seeing them, no fancy pictures, just snapped on the digital camera.
How do you guys handle your old treasures?
I 'm new hear & just thought I would share my FIRST toy. [^]
You can ALWAYS find room for trains if you really, REALLY want to! Maybe you could set up a demo layout at a Senior Citizens center, or something for kids. Don’t waste those memories!
Gene,
First of all, Welcome[#welcome], secondly, I have my Dad’s set from '49. I love to run it and in the last year was able to complete just about the whole catalog for that year. They are great trains and should last many more years. I would be interested in seeing some photos if you could email them to my link below. As for your not getting to run them, you may want to check around your local area. If there is a club, perhaps you could run them on the layout there. Also, this is a big forum and though you don’t mention where you are from in your profile, you may want to and perhaps you live near someone who can have you visit and share the hobby. You will find that this group is a friendly bunch and can offer plenty of expert advice. One thing I would like to pass on to you is that you should check your transformer and any other wires for any damage. The power cords tend to dry rot and can be a hazard. If you need a transformer for a small layout, I have one I can send you, I just hate to see these great trains not getting to run. As for someone to pass onto, I am lucky in that I have a 3 year old son and adopted a 1 year old girl who both seem to love playing with the trains. I will pass along not only a piece of my childhood, but also a love for a hobby that is only limited by ones imagination. Good Luck and I am glad you got the trains out of the newspaper. Two other tidbits while I am at it, 1. Newspaper can cause smudges on the plastic of some of your cars, so you might want to check that. Secondly, use a light machine oil for the axles, motor shafts (don’t let any on the brushes or com end), and bearings, and put a light amount of grease on the gears. Even though it was serviced in '76, an ounce of prevention…
Take care, and again, Welcome,
Dennis
Hi Gene, I was also born in 53. I was given my uncles trains from the 40’s. sometime in the early 60’s my mom threw them out… Just the other day I started buying some old memores back on ebay. I have about 6 cars lots of track ans a couple of transformers waiting to be delivered. Can’t wait. I would love to see pics of your trains.send them to “jmsiv@optonline.net”.
John
Welcome. I have [and still running] my 1952 Lionel that Santa brought me at age 6. The grease may be a little stiff and dry. As long as the transformer cord is OK, you should be on your way. Clean the track [don’t use steel wool], put a drop or two of oil here and there and grease on the gears. Away she should go. Enjoy.
If you would like to see the trains running now and then, buy a oval of Lionel FasTrack. When you want to put them away, just unsnap the oval into 2 sections and store it under a couch or bed. Joe
I forgot to ask: Those that would like to see my train, I took individual shots of each car, all the swtiches, etc. If you are on dial up, just let me know which part or parts you would like to see. For the guys that asked about 1953 locomotive, mine is 2055.
Thanks for the replies. I don/t know if you guys know of Leland’s Trains in NC, I know him well. I used to fly on of his RC planes. He has the most extensive line of used trains & accessories I have ever seen. Let me know if you would like an introduction to Leland. I think he’s a Lionel repair center. I might take the trains up there, ;et him check everything out, and run them on his layouts. He has an OVERHEAD track for his REALLY collectible stuff. Awesome place.
YEEPEEE!! Another Rebel from NC!!! Come over to the Coffee Pot and help me fight those Yanks. [;)] We’ll throw grits at them. [:D] Been to his shop while passing through on the way to Marion, Black Mountain and Asheville.
Welcome to the forum, Gene. I hope you find some space to set up the trains. Fasttrack is one option. I have a tiny O-27 layout that measures 27 by 42 and has one switch as well. Enjoy the trains and the forum.
[#welcome] geneinnc ! [:)] i used to be big in the R/C planes & helis also ! Hope to see you on the Coffee Pot & don’t forget Suday Photo Fun ! [:D]
It’s ok you live in the same state as The Chief !! [:D][:D] LOTS OF FUN HERE !
Gene, If you go to the “pot of coffee” thread on this forum, some of the guys have listed ways to post. you should be able to post on this thread if you follow the instructions. Spankybird has posted the method several times and places. I look forward to seeing your trains.
Regards,
Dennis
I’m going to ditch the dewspaper & wrap the trains in something else. What’s best? I was thinking bubble wrap. orrrrrrrrrrrr, would it be worth the money to find the original boxes. I’m sure they cost big bucks if you can even fine 1953 boxes.
Gene,
Try a art supply store for acid free archive paper. they use them to wrap paintings, etc. that they don’t want damaged. the clerks may not know the full name and description, but if you just ask for the white paper that they wrap the good paintings with, they should be able to help. This paper is also good in that it will protect against greese, etc. from one engine getting on other rolling stock. hope this helps. Dennis