Ran across a repro #840 Powerhouse. I know it’s a repro because:
-Inner base stamped out with spaces for light sockets preventing any transformers from fitting into the wings.
-Skylights tabbed in place preventing them from being lifted off to access those transformers.
-No bank of knife switches fro distributing power from those transformers.
-Translucent Acetate or plastic material behind windows to hide interior but let lights glow.
-Modern hardware and light sockets.
The nameplates do not read MTH, so I am assuming that MTH did not market the piece. I know T-Reproductions made a repro, and I know Lionel did market at least one reissue (made by MTH, of course). Is anyone familiar with either of those pieces so as to be able to tell me which manufacturer made it?
Full disclosure: it is somewhat beat-up, is missing the stacks, sign, and front and back steps. Paint in pretty good shape though the green is very faded to blue. Antique dealer wants $110 for it. I’d get it except I have no place to put it.
I have the T-R version. The skylights come off with room for the smaller transformers, it has switches, and there is nothing in the windows.
On Lionel’s site, the 6-14163 (from 2002! Has it really been that long?) had frosted windows and the stacks actually smoked. Based on the windows, that one would be my guess.
Depending on what was left of the stack/smoke assembly on the one you saw, $110 might be a bit much considering all of the other issues.
Thanks for the reply, B_King. It is useful information!
The stack assembly is missing entirely. Your info may explain two odd parts underneath where the stacks go, however. They appeared to be little, round slices of metal; I tool them to be magnets. But they might be the connected with the power for smoke units.
The water tower is present.
One corner of the outer base is bulged outward, and the upper cornices are distorted. Someone wanting a project should have no problem straightening them.
The fella I talked to indicated some flexibility on price. He did say several folks had looked at it and past–must have been highway travelers, as there aren’t many of us around here into SG or prewar.
I personally don’t want it because I prefer originals and, much more importantly, I have no room for such a big piece. (Had it been an original at that price, I would bought it, stored it on my bed, and slept on the floor!)
