Model Train Journal

Still not much happening here. Tax docs are starting to leach in, so I've been a bit distracted. Other than that, pretty quiet.

Picked up this Lionel 517 recently:





Turns out it's a bit unusual for the two-tone paint and orange windows (although I swear I've seen a number of them).

Years ago I bought an MTH standard gauge freight set with a 392E up front with a string of brass-trimmed 500-series freights. For whatever reason, the dealer shipped me a 517 with the late all-red scheme with nickel trim. At the time I didn't throw a fit, but I came to hate the one out-of-sync car. This original 517 will be its replacement. Just a bit of polishing up and it'll be good to go.

Healey

When it come to standard gauge and the 500 series I prefer the late colors. I like the all red car. But if the trim on your new 517 matches the rest of the set it will look great. Maybe you could post a picture of the whole set. I would like to see it.

I always stayed with the smaller standard gauge engines. That 392 is pretty big. But here again I like it better than the 400

Back in the late 30s Lionel sent out a lot of mismatched cars just to put a set together and get it out the door. I doubt that it mattered much to children that received these set as they were just happy to get some trains to play. Other than a Red Ryder BB gun I think the trains were they ultimate toy for boys.

I can do that, but I'll have to dig the stuff out. Hasn't seen daylight in years, which for the 392E is a problem, as it's Proto Gen 1.

Some Lionel Commercials from days gone by..

1961 Lionel Train TV Commercials from Dealer Promo Kit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... e=emb_logo

Detailed and weathered up a Walthers ES44AC locomotive

Nice to see some of your stuff again, Lucas.

Sharp, subtle weathering job, especially the trucks. Very nice model.

Healey

Thanks! I've deep into HO now, I sold off 90% of my O scale trains, just keeping a few choice custom pieces I did over the years. 100% of the Postwar toy trains are gone. I still have to sell off all my O scale parts and supplies. (I bought almost a lifetime supply of Kadees and amassed a sizable hoard of detail parts).