What I have are two Lionel cars from the twenties.They were identified by a previous owner as a 629 Pullman and a 630 Observation car. They were puchased through an antique dealer. My Prewar reference failed me with an id. As you noticed the exterior was wiped clean. They were originally a dark green with maroon inserts. They are lighted,and have no journals. The doors are not hinged and there is no indication of having steps or a center tank. The ends do not have any doors. I have two couplers. One broken off, and the other is a latch and hook.The roof and trucks were screwed on.
I visited a site and the webmaster did verify an eight wheel variation was made. No pictures though.
Actually, these cannot be 629/630 cars. The 629/630 cars have 5 windows, yours have six. Another distinguishing feature is the rear railing on the observation car. The trucks, lack of journals, and rubber stamping clinch it. You have the early version of the Lionel 610 Pullman and 612 Observation cars. This body style was produced between 1915 through 1925. Originally, these would have had a rubber stamping of “New York Central Lines” above the windows and either Pullman or Observation beneath. Iluminated versions were not produced until 1923, so your originally green, maroon insert cars were produced between 1923 and 1925. I hope this helps.
Yep they should have come with a dark green 254 or 253. JLM trains has correct stamps if you decide to redo them correctly or you could be a miscreant and use decals! If you search for the correct loco i would recommend the 253 as dark geen 254s are scarce and pricey. Good luck.
Thank you for the links and the information. I am still reeling from the fact I have two cars manufactured within ten years of the start of O gage.For now I have to pair them up with a 249E. The size is right.I agree about the decals.
Thanks again.
PS Ivesboy, Fantastic job on your latest Restoration
