Product Overview
Condition: 7+ Original Box: Var Year: 1948
23 photos available above
Up for sale is set # 1427 with an interesting back story. This set was purchased from the original owner -- who's parents also purchased an add-on # 3464 NYC box car at the same time the set was purchased back in 1948. Although this set is missing a couple of components, it is in gorgeous condition and a great foundation to build out a complete set. All of the components have the correct manufacturing details such as staple end trucks and corner steps on the freight car frames. Additionally, the boxes are the correct three-cities variation -- dating the set to 1948.
As for the rest of the story, the original owner "remembers" having two box car growing up. Unfortunately the 6454 box car is missing from the set. However, the 3464 box car is included and if you review the pricing on the set box by the label, you'll see the prices for the two items purchase years ago: set # 1427 and the 3464 freight car. Certainly not rare for the era, but unique in that the prices are listed on the edge of the set box and the owner still had the add-on freight car.
As for the set, below is a summary of the outfit:
- 2026 Prairie w/ 6466WX Tender - The steamer and tender have both been thoroughly cleaned, serviced, tested and operate perfectly. The steam locomotive is in condition 7++, almost an 8 while the tender is a 7+. Both units are free of rust and oxidation. Lastly, original boxes and inserts are included for each item. The steamer box has some clear tape on the interior and missing a couple of inner flaps as well as one tuck flap putting it's condition around a 6+. The tender box is an overstamped 2466W Art Deco box with an original insert -- plus it has all interior flaps! Logically, this does make sense as the tender has coil couplers -- so definitely a transition item in the early part of 1948.
- 3464 New York Central Operating Box Car - This box car is the add-on freight car purchased with the original set. The freight car is extremely clean, free of rust and oxidation and there are no nicks, chips nor blemishes on the box car. Condition of the box car is a 7++ and the box is a 7 as it is missing the coupler flaps.
- 6454 Box Car - this is the missing freight car in the set.
- 6465 Sunoco Two Dome Tank Car - this freight car is in gorgeous condition and easily graded a 7++ to an 8! The exterior silver is vibrant, the side lettering and graphics are complete and not worn and the trucks, couplers and frame are free or oxidation and rust. The original box has both end and tuck flaps, but missing the interior coupler flap.
- 6257 Caboose - brining up the rear is a beautiful, complete and undamaged caboose. The colors are vibrant and the frame and trucks are clean and free of rust and oxidation. This Three Cities box (for a 6257) is fairly difficult to locate and this one is in great condition -- only missing the interior coupler flap.
- Set Box # 1427 - The set box is solid, has nice coloring and original label, but unfortunately is missing one exterior top flap. Otherwise the rest of the box is solid.
- Paperwork: Lastly, original paperwork is included for the 6019 uncoupling track, the 2026 steam locomotive and the operators instruction manual. Additionally, all three of these items are correctly dated 1948.
- Items missing from the set include:
- The original 027 track is missing, including the 6019 track.
- 1032 transformer
Don't miss out on this opportunity to purchase a clean, fully serviced and ready to run Lionel outfit that is exactly how it was purchased back in 1948. Given the back story with the set -- it will make an interesting conversation piece in your collection.
Shipping Note: Due to the size & weight of the freight set, this item will be shipped separately from other items on the same order. A flat $38 shipping & insurance fee will apply to this purchase. If your order includes additional items, standard shipping rates will apply to all other items on the same order.
