A couple of weeks ago my wife and I had breakfast in the Boston area with an old friend from High School days. Half-way through he mentions that he’s been saving some old trains for me. One his co-workers gave them to him, and he’s not interested, so before he gets rid of them, would I like to take a look and see if I would want them?
Well. His “old” train was a Lionel set #2183WS from 1952: Berkshire #726rr (Korean War, no MagneTraction) and #2046W tender, Operating boxcar, two-dome tanker, gondola, and caboose. All the cars were in their original boxes, the track was till in the original set box, along with the smoke pills, tube of lubricant, and all the instructions sheets. Also included was a die-cast Operating Searchlight Car, and a KW transformer complete with boxes and instructions.
So in order to do him a favor, I took this all off his hands but made him promise that if one of his children should want them someday, they will be lovingly restored to operating condition, and ready for them.
In spite of the excellent outward appearance (no paint chips or scratches) these trains were played with. I had to replace the main connecting rod on the drivers from wear. I had to replace the smoke unit and headlight assembly (which was missing). Three couplers were broken on the cars, which I replaced with parts from eBay. The KW needed a new Whistle Handle and a new “B” knob.
But when I was done last night…
Jon [8D]