Reason for this blog....

The main reason I started this blog is to stage my etsy site. I want your feed back as to the condition and proper pricing of these objects. Yeah I've looked at and tried eBay but for what I have it is not the most reliable or proper site. Give me your feedback both good and bad and if you want a heads up about when something will be available send your email. BJ- thanks

Train Layout

Now It has been requested to post an image of the original layout that my father in law had. This is the only photo we took before it was dismantled. We have already begun to clean out below the table but nothing had been packaged up.

Reason for this blog....

The main reason I started this blog is to stage my etsy site. I want your feed back as to the condition and proper pricing of these objects. Yeah I've looked at and tried eBay but for what I have it is not the most reliable or proper site. Give me your feedback both good and bad and if you want a heads up about when something will be available send your email. BJ- thanks

6417
Various Road Names
N5C Caboose
1953 - 1957

item# A005-0000006

Beginning in 1953, there was an effort within Lionel to produce larger and more realistic trains while at the same time decreasing production costs. One of the nicest -- and more realistic -- offerings from that year was the 6417 caboose. The 6417 replaced the 6457 SP-style caboose as the premium caboose in its line of O Gauge trains. The 6417 is a realistic and scale-like model of it real-life counterpart. It's usually found with Pennsylvania lettering, but was briefly produced with the Lionel Lines and Lehigh Valley road names. The Pennsylvania version was included in many sets as well as being available as a separate sale item. Clean examples of any 6417 caboose remain in demand by both collectors and operators. In addition to Pennsylvania markings, Lionel also offered this caboose with both the Lehigh Valley and Lionel Lines road names. Each of these are hard to locate as they were only manufactured for a single year -- 1954.
The 6417 caboose is a nice caboose with good detail. Standard features include: painted bodies and lettering, illumination, bar-end trucks with a single operating coupler, plastic end railing detail on each end plus plastic brake wheels and roof ladders. The actual number on the side of the Pennsylvania caboose is '536417.' The Lehigh Valley version carries '641751' on the sides while the Lionel Lines version wears the number '64173.'
The length of this caboose is approximately 7 3/4" long (coupler to end).
   Pennsylvania, with 'New York Zone' - The most common version.
   Pennsylvania, without 'New York Zone' - A scarce version, difficult to located.
   Lehigh Valley - Catalogued by Lionel with the number 6417-50, it has a gray body and is a rare variation of the 6417 caboose. An even scarcer variation of this caboose has a tuscan exterior.
   Lionel Lines - Catalogued by Lionel with the number 6417-25, this is a hard variation to locate.

6417 N5C Caboose
Variation	Years
Pennsylvania, with 'New York Zone'	1953 - 1957
Pennsylvania, without 'New York Zone'	Unknown
Lehigh Valley - Gray	1954
Lehigh Valley - Tuscan	1954
Lionel Lines	1954

6417 N5C Caboose
	Condition	Price		Comments
	7+/OB	$ 78.00		This is a nice and clean Pennsylvania caboose with bright exterior colors and crisp, clean side lettering. This caboose also includes a nice and solid, correct style original box.
	8/OB	$ 85.00		Here's a gorgeous, all-original Pennsylvania caboose that's free of any nicks, marks and blemishes. The exterior colors are vibrant and the lettering is perfect. The light has been tested and works properly.
	8+/OB	$495.00		Now available for sale is the rare N5C caboose without 'New York Zone' printed on each side!. This caboose is in stunning condition, all-original with vibrant exterior colors and crisp, clean lettering. The caboose is in near-new condition, it's a real gem!
	7+/OB	$125.00		Up for sale is the one-year-only Lionel Lines version of the N5C caboose. The exterior color is vibrant and the side lettering is crisp. Overall condition is very close to an 8, this is a gorgeous caboose!
	7	$135.00		Here's the rare painted gray Lehigh Valley version of the N5C caboose. This one is complete, free of rust and oxidation and nothing is broken, chipped nor cracked on the caboose.
	7+	$151.00		Up for sale is the somewhat rare painted gray version of the N5C caboose. This one is complete, free of rust and oxidation and nothing is broken, chipped nor cracked on the caboose.
	7	$40.00		Up for sale is a nice and clean Pennsylvania N5C caboose painted in tuscan. The exterior color is clean and the side lettering is crisp and complete. The interior light has been tested and works properly.
	7+/OB	$72.00		Now available is a clean, complete Pennsylvania N5C caboose with beautiful exterior colors and clean, crisp side lettering. The frame and bar-end trucks are clean and free of rust and oxidation.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6457
Lionel
SP-Type Caboose

item# A005-0000005

The 6457 was introduced in 1949 as Lionel's premium SP-style caboose. It is essentially an updated version of the 2357 caboose with magnetic couplers replacing the coil couplers. The 6457 caboose is an easy caboose to locate. It was available as a separate sale item and also included in Lionel's better sets. Standard features on the 6457 caboose include: painted body with white lettering, circle 'L' logo in white, illumination, die-cast smokestack, dual battery boxes, ladders at each end, end-railings plus dual operating couplers and two brake wheels. For most of this cabooses production run, staple-end trucks were the norm. For 1952 -- its final year -- Lionel switched to bar-end trucks. Additionally, the body was first produced with a painted brown shell. Later production included both brown and maroon versions.

The only significant detail which changed from the initial production cycle is the die-cast smokestack. When originally introduced, the die-cast smokestack was painted brown to match the color of the caboose. Soon after its introduction, the painted stack was changed to be an unpainted black stack. Painted stacks are not available on the maroon version.

The length of this caboose is approximately 7 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
   Brown with Brown Smokestack - Probably produced during the first few runs in 1949. Not an easy version to locate.
   Brown with Unpainted Smokestack - Generally agreed to be more common than the maroon version.
  Maroon - Although readily available in the marketplace, it is not as common as the brown version.

1949 - 1952

6457 Lionel Lines Caboose
Variation	Years
Brown, Painted Stack	1949
Brown, Unpainted Stack	1949 - 1951
Maroon	1951 - 1952

6457 Lionel Lines SP-Type Caboose
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7/OB	$50.00	This is a complete, undamaged caboose from Lionel's final year of 6457 production: 1952. This caboose has bar-end trucks and the interior light has been tested and works properly. Even the original box is in nice condition and free of writing and stains.
	7+	$35.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged, great looking caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has vibrant exterior colors and crisp, clean side lettering. There is no rust on the base, end railings nor trucks.
	7+	$55.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged brown caboose from 1952. There is no rust nor oxidation on the frame and trucks and the interior light works properly.
	7+/OB	$60.00	Here's a clean, complete and nice lighted caboose. This version is from the final year of its production as it has bar-end trucks. The caboose has a vibrant exterior color and crisp, clean side lettering.
	8/OB	$64.00	Now available for sale is a beautiful premium SP-style caboose from the early 1950's. The colors are vibrant and the lettering is crisp, clean and complete. The frame and trucks are free of rust and oxidation and the interior light does work properly.
	7+	$52.00	Now available for sale is a very clean, all-original caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has a clean exterior with crisp, white side lettering. There is nothing broken nor damaged on the caboose.
	8/OB	$75.00	Up for sale is a stunning, all-original, super clean caboose. This caboose is an early version with a painted stack and in an overstamped 2357 caboose box. The exterior colors are vibrant and the lettering is super clean.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6457
Lionel
SP-Type Caboose

item# A005-0000004

The 6457 was introduced in 1949 as Lionel's premium SP-style caboose. It is essentially an updated version of the 2357 caboose with magnetic couplers replacing the coil couplers. The 6457 caboose is an easy caboose to locate. It was available as a separate sale item and also included in Lionel's better sets. Standard features on the 6457 caboose include: painted body with white lettering, circle 'L' logo in white, illumination, die-cast smokestack, dual battery boxes, ladders at each end, end-railings plus dual operating couplers and two brake wheels. For most of this cabooses production run, staple-end trucks were the norm. For 1952 -- its final year -- Lionel switched to bar-end trucks. Additionally, the body was first produced with a painted brown shell. Later production included both brown and maroon versions.

The only significant detail which changed from the initial production cycle is the die-cast smokestack. When originally introduced, the die-cast smokestack was painted brown to match the color of the caboose. Soon after its introduction, the painted stack was changed to be an unpainted black stack. Painted stacks are not available on the maroon version.

The length of this caboose is approximately 7 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
   Brown with Brown Smokestack - Probably produced during the first few runs in 1949. Not an easy version to locate.
   Brown with Unpainted Smokestack - Generally agreed to be more common than the maroon version.
  Maroon - Although readily available in the marketplace, it is not as common as the brown version.

1949 - 1952

6457 Lionel Lines Caboose
Variation	Years
Brown, Painted Stack	1949
Brown, Unpainted Stack	1949 - 1951
Maroon	1951 - 1952

6457 Lionel Lines SP-Type Caboose
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7/OB	$50.00	This is a complete, undamaged caboose from Lionel's final year of 6457 production: 1952. This caboose has bar-end trucks and the interior light has been tested and works properly. Even the original box is in nice condition and free of writing and stains.
	7+	$35.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged, great looking caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has vibrant exterior colors and crisp, clean side lettering. There is no rust on the base, end railings nor trucks.
	7+	$55.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged brown caboose from 1952. There is no rust nor oxidation on the frame and trucks and the interior light works properly.
	7+/OB	$60.00	Here's a clean, complete and nice lighted caboose. This version is from the final year of its production as it has bar-end trucks. The caboose has a vibrant exterior color and crisp, clean side lettering.
	8/OB	$64.00	Now available for sale is a beautiful premium SP-style caboose from the early 1950's. The colors are vibrant and the lettering is crisp, clean and complete. The frame and trucks are free of rust and oxidation and the interior light does work properly.
	7+	$52.00	Now available for sale is a very clean, all-original caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has a clean exterior with crisp, white side lettering. There is nothing broken nor damaged on the caboose.
	8/OB	$75.00	Up for sale is a stunning, all-original, super clean caboose. This caboose is an early version with a painted stack and in an overstamped 2357 caboose box. The exterior colors are vibrant and the lettering is super clean.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

Reason for this blog....

The main reason I started this blog is to stage my etsy site. I want your feed back as to the condition and proper pricing of these objects. Yeah I've looked at and tried eBay but for what I have it is not the most reliable or proper site. Give me your feedback both good and bad and if you want a heads up about when something will be available send your email. BJ- thanks

6561
Lionel Lines
Cable Reel Car
1953 - 1956

item# A004-0000013

The 6561 was another example where Lionel used and existing flatcar style (the depressed center flatcar), mounted a new load onto it and produced a nice freight car. The end result was a freight car which looked realistic and impressive on a layout.
The 6561 is a common car, unfortunately many of the original cable reels have been lost or discarded. Finding this car with its original cable reels along with the original aluminum wire on the cable reels will take some time.
The 6561 remained unchanged during its four year production run. Standard features include: gray painted depressed center flatcar with black lettering, bar-end trucks with operating couplers, metal footsteps at each corner and a brake stand and brake wheel at end. The lettering was always sans-serif while the removable cable reels always included thick aluminum wire.
The predominate color of the cable reels was orange. However, there was a small production run containing dark gray cable reels. These dark gray reels with their aluminum wire are more difficult to locate than the orange version.
 Orange Cable Reels - The common version.
 Dark Gray Cable Reels - Harder to locate than the orange version.

6561 Cable Reel Car
Variation	Years
Orange Cable Reels	1953 - 1956
Dark Gray Cable Reels	1953 - 1956

6561 Cable Reel Car
	Condition	Price	Comments
	6+	$ 45.00	This is a nice and clean, all original cable reel car from the mid-1950's. The orange reels still have their original aluminum wire and there is no rust nor oxidation on the freight car.
	7	$ 70.00	Up for sale is a depressed center fatcar with orange cable reels. Neither the freight car nor cable reels are damaged or chipped and the colors are bright. Even the side lettering is crisp and complete.
	7	$ 75.00	Here's a nice, clean and complete depressed center flatcar with gray cable reels. The freight car and cable reels are neither damaged or chipped and the colors are bright. Even the side lettering is crisp and complete.
	7+/OB	$115.00	Now available is a beautiful flatcar with two original orange cable reels. The freight car and cable reels are complete and include the original aluminum wire. The colors are vibrant and the side lettering is crisp and complete.
	7+/OB	$120.00	This is an extremely clean depressed center flatcar carrying two all original gray cable reels. The reels are undamaged and still have their original aluminum wire.
	8	$ 96.00	Now available is this beautiful flatcar with the orange cable reels. The cable reels are clean, all-original and undamaged. The car is in great condition!
	8	$107.00	Up for sale is a gorgeous flatcar with original, hard-to-find gray cable reels. The cable reels are clean, all-original, free of chips and contain original aluminum wire.
	8/OB	$130.00	Here's a beautiful flatcar with original gray cable reels. The freight car and cable reels are complete and include the original aluminum wire. The original box is solid and includes all interior and exterior flaps.
	10/OB	$171.00	Up for sale is this mint condition, completely unused Cable Reel Car. This gorgeous car includes its original crayon written price and inspection tag! This is truly a rare addition to any collection!

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6460
Bucyrus Erie
Crane Car
1952 - 1954

item# A004-0000012

The 6460 Bucyrus Erie operating crane car was a continuation of the 2460 crane car with some manufacturing changes. The primary difference is the 6460 has four-wheel trucks while the 2460 has six-wheel trucks. Otherwise, the crane cars are very similar in appearance and operation.
The crane was equipped with two functional crank handles. The rear crank operated the position of the boom while the side crank was used to raise and lower the hook
Standard features of the 6460 include: rotating cab, manually crank handles to operated the boom and hook, black painted cab and die-cast frame with white lettering. It was always produced with bar-end trucks.
Other standard features on the 6460 include:

• The hook was always turned 90 degrees from the the pulley.
• The word 'Lionel' was always on an arched line while the word 'Lines' appeared on a horizontal line below 'Lionel'.
• The cab never contained a smokestack.
• The die-cast hand cracks were always of the open crank variation.

A common problem of the 6460 crane car is the way in which the cab was secured to the rotating frame. The screw holes are frequently found stripped or shattered. A cab with intact screw holes will command a premium.
The length of the base of a crane car is approximately 8" long (coupler to coupler), while the length of the car including the boom in the lowered position is approximately 12 1/2 inches.
 Black Cab - The most common version.
 Red Cab - Assumed to be a limited run during 1954. This crane car is usually referred to as the 6460-25 crane car and is rare.

6460 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car
Variation	Years
Black Cab	1952 - 1954
Red Cab	1954

6460 Bucyrus Erie Crane Car
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7	$ 50.00	Here's Lionel traditional crane car from the early 1950's. This one has a die-cast base, all-metal trucks and a functional boom and hook.
	7	$147.00	Up for sale is the one-year-only red cab version of the 6460 crane car. This crane car is in nice condition easily graded a 7, but to a 7+! The side lettering is crisp and complete and there is no damage to the crane car.
	7+/OB	$220.00	Here is an original red cab crane car which was only produced for a single year: 1954. This one is in great condition, easily graded a 7+ and close to an 8! The side lettering is crisp and complete and there is no damage to the crane car.
	7+/OB	$243.00	Here's a nice and clean red cab version of the crane car. This was only produced for a single year and is somewhat hard to find. The exterior colors are vibrant and the side lettering is crisp and clean.
	8	$106.00	Up for sale is a beautiful, all-original crane car from the early 1950's. This freight car is complete with vibrant exterior colors and crisp, complete side lettering.
	8/OB	$155.00	Up for sale is an all-original, beautiful crane car with vibrant exterior colors and clean, crisp side lettering. Best of all, it includes a solid original box with both original inserts!
	8/OB	$169.00	Now available is a gorgeous, all-original crane car that is free of rust, dings and blemishes. Best of all, it includes the hard-to-find, one-year-only OPS Stamped box with both original inserts!
	7	$88.00	Here is a nice and clean crane car that is all-original and free of rust and damage. There are minor rub marks on some high areas and the overall condition is close to 7+
	7+	$95.00	Here is the 1953 version of the crane. This crane is in terrific condition. This complete, undamaged crane car is free of nicks, chips and blemishes.
	7+	$194.00	Up for sale is an all-original, rare, red-cab version of the 6460 crane car. This crane car is clean, complete and undamaged. The trucks and frame are free of rust and oxidation while the side lettering is complete and the cab is free of nicks and blemishes.
	7+/OB	$290.00	Now available is the very hard-to-find, one-year only red cab version of the crane car. This freight car has vibrant exterior colors, crisp and clean side lettering and is close to condition 8!
	10/OB	$325.00	Here is an rare red cab crane car which was only produced for a single year: 1954. This one is in fantastic condition, unused and brand new! The side lettering is crisp and complete and there is no damage to the crane car.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6419
D.L. & W or N. & W.
Work Caboose
1948 - 1957

item# A004-0000011

The 6419 work caboose is a premium work caboose that was produced by Lionel for several years. It's inclusion in many catalogued sets, as well as being a separate sale item, makes this an easy caboose to acquire. Most 6419s were produced with the D.L. & W. (Delaware, Lackawanna & Western) road name. However, for its final year of production, the 6419 wore N. & W. (Norfolk and Western) lettering. This final version is an extremely difficult caboose to find. Although the N. & W. appears in some 1958 Lionel literature, it is believed that excess inventory from 1957 was sold in 1958 and the item was never manufactured by Lionel in 1958. Because of its realistic appearance, excellent detail and high quality construction, the 6419 remains in demand by both collectors and operators.
The 6419 caboose included metal trucks with dual operating couplers, a die-cast frame, simulated tool bins, a die-cast brake wheel at each end, metal hand-railings at each end, metal ladder, plastic cab and usually a tall die-cast smokestack. Beginning in 1954, Lionel began to change the standard features of the caboose. Variations include modifications to one or several of the following: a single operating coupler, short die-cast smokestack or unpainted tool boxes and cab. Although these variations did regularly occur, there is a minimal difference in market value.
The N. & W. caboose included all of the initial standard feature of the 6419 with the exception of the smokestack -- it's always a short smokestack. The number on the N. & W. caboose is always '576419'.

 D.L. & W. Painted Caboose with dual couplers - The most common version of the 6419 work caboose.
 D.L. & W. Painted Caboose with single coupler - Generally viewed as 1954 or 1955 production.
 D.L. & W. Unpainted Caboose with dual couplers - Generally viewed as 1956 production.
 D.L. & W. Unpainted Caboose with single coupler - Generally viewed as 1956 production.
 N. & W. Work Caboose - Available in 1957 and 1958. Production is assumed to be only in 1957 with 1958 being leftover inventory from the prior year.

6419 Work Caboose
Variation	Years
D.L. & W. Painted with Dual Couplers	1948 - 1954
D.L. & W. Painted with Single Coupler	1954 - 1955
D.L. & W. Unpainted with Dual Couplers	1956
D.L. & W. Unpainted with Single Coupler	1956
N. & W. Work Caboose	1957

6419 Work Caboose
	Condition	Price	Comments
	6	$ 36.00	Now available is a complete, all-original work caboose with staple-end trucks and dual functional couplers. This caboose has nice side lettering and decent exterior colors.
	6+	$ 44.00	Here's a clean, complete, undamaged work caboose with bar-end trucks and dual functional couplers. This caboose would look great behind and work train on your layout.
	8/OB	$103.00	Up for sale is a hard to find variation from the late 1950's. This D.L. & W. work caboose is the -50 variation with dual operating couplers and a short caboose stack.
	9/OB	$342.00	Now available for sale is the hard-to-find N & W work caboose. This caboose is in near-new condition and barely shows any signs of usage. The exterior colors are vibrant and the side lettering is perfect.
	7+	$75.00	This is a very clean, all-original work caboose that is free of nicks and damage. This caboose has strong lettering and vibrant exterior colors on both the tool bins and caboose.
	7+/OB	$120.00	This work caboose is extremely clean, all original and only has minor paint rub marks on the high areas. The condition is close to 8. Also included is a Middle Classic box with original insert.
	10/OB	$335.00	Up for sale is the hard-to-find N & W work caboose. This caboose is unrun and truly in Mint condition, it shows no signs of ever being on the track. The exterior colors are pristine and the side lettering is perfect.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

Reason for this blog....

The main reason I started this blog is to stage my etsy site. I want your feed back as to the condition and proper pricing of these objects. Yeah I've looked at and tried eBay but for what I have it is not the most reliable or proper site. Give me your feedback both good and bad and if you want a heads up about when something will be available send your email. BJ- thanks

6457
Lionel
SP-Type Caboose
1949 - 1952

item# A004-0000009

The 6457 was introduced in 1949 as Lionel's premium SP-style caboose. It is essentially an updated version of the 2357 caboose with magnetic couplers replacing the coil couplers. The 6457 caboose is an easy caboose to locate. It was available as a separate sale item and also included in Lionel's better sets. Standard features on the 6457 caboose include: painted body with white lettering, circle 'L' logo in white, illumination, die-cast smokestack, dual battery boxes, ladders at each end, end-railings plus dual operating couplers and two brake wheels.
For most of this cabooses production run, staple-end trucks were the norm. For 1952 -- its final year -- Lionel switched to bar-end trucks. Additionally, the body was first produced with a painted brown shell. Later production included both brown and maroon versions.
The only significant detail which changed from the initial production cycle is the die-cast smokestack. When originally introduced, the die-cast smokestack was painted brown to match the color of the caboose. Soon after its introduction, the painted stack was changed to be an unpainted black stack. Painted stacks are not available on the maroon version.
The length of this caboose is approximately 7 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
 Brown with Brown Smokestack - Probably produced during the first few runs in 1949. Not an easy version to locate.
 Brown with Unpainted Smokestack - Generally agreed to be more common than the maroon version.
 Maroon -  Although readily available in the marketplace, it is not as common as the brown version.

6457 Lionel Lines Caboose
Variation	Years
Brown, Painted Stack	1949
Brown, Unpainted Stack	1949 - 1951
Maroon	1951 - 1952

6457 Lionel Lines SP-Type Caboose
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7/OB	$50.00	This is a complete, undamaged caboose from Lionel's final year of 6457 production: 1952. This caboose has bar-end trucks and the interior light has been tested and works properly. Even the original box is in nice condition and free of writing and stains.
	7+	$35.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged, great looking caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has vibrant exterior colors and crisp, clean side lettering. There is no rust on the base, end railings nor trucks.
	7+	$55.00	Up for sale is a complete, undamaged brown caboose from 1952. There is no rust nor oxidation on the frame and trucks and the interior light works properly.
	7+/OB	$60.00	Here's a clean, complete and nice lighted caboose. This version is from the final year of its production as it has bar-end trucks. The caboose has a vibrant exterior color and crisp, clean side lettering.
	8/OB	$64.00	Now available for sale is a beautiful premium SP-style caboose from the early 1950's. The colors are vibrant and the lettering is crisp, clean and complete. The frame and trucks are free of rust and oxidation and the interior light does work properly.
	7+	$52.00	Now available for sale is a very clean, all-original caboose from the early 1950's. This caboose has a clean exterior with crisp, white side lettering. There is nothing broken nor damaged on the caboose.
	8/OB	$75.00	Up for sale is a stunning, all-original, super clean caboose. This caboose is an early version with a painted stack and in an overstamped 2357 caboose box. The exterior colors are vibrant and the lettering is super clean.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

3520
Lionel Lines
Rotating Searchlight Car
1952 - 1953

item# A004-0000007

The 3520 Rotating Searchlight Car is similar to the earlier 6520 searchlight car. The newest feature on the 3520 is a remote-control operated on-off switch. This switch allows the operator to activate Lionel's 'Vibro-motor' which in turn begins rotating the searchlight lens. The 3520 is a smooth running and reliable operating car. Due to its history of being a reliable performer and having a limited two year production run, this car is still in demand by both collectors and operators. Clean examples with original boxes are becoming harder to find.

Standard features on the 3520 include: painted gray die-cast depressed-center frame with black lettering, vibration motor, metal footsteps at each corner, a remote-control on-off switch plus a simulated orange generator. A single brake wheel with brake stand is also included and mounted at the opposite end of the searchlight. Almost every 3520 came with bar-end trucks. However, some of the very earliest 1952 production cars might have included leftover staple-end trucks.
The searchlight bracket (metal bracket holding the plastic searchlight lens) has been produced in three variations. The most common bracket is aluminum with four holes. There is also a harder to find eight hole aluminum version. However, the most difficult to find is a chemically blackened eight hole version. A photo of all three bracket variations is available in the chart below.
The final point regarding variations has to do with the lettering style. The most common version is the sans-serif style. The more difficult version is the serif lettering style.
 Sans-Serif Lettering -  Produced in both 1952 and 1953.
 Serif Lettering - More difficult to locate than the sans-serif version.

3520 Rotating Searchlight Car
Variation	Years
Sans-Serif Lettering	1952 - 1953
Serif Lettering	1952 - 1953
Searchlight Bracket Variations	1952 - 1953

3520 Rotating Searchlight Car
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7	$ 55.00	Available for sale is a clean, all-original rotating searchlight car. The car has been tested and works perfectly. Even the lens cap is an original postwar cap.
	7+	$118.00	Now available for sale is the rare version with the darkened base on the searchlight. This freight car has been fully cleaned, tested, serviced and works perfectly. There is no rust on the base, trucks nor wheels.
	9/OB	$155.00	Up for sale is a stunning, all-original rotating searchlight car from 1952. Included with the beautiful freight car is a solid OPS Stamped Box, insert, instructions and the rare darkened-base searchlight housing.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6462
New York Central
Long Gondola
1949 - 1958

item# A004-0000006

The 6462 New York Central gondola has the distinction of being the first long gondola introduced by Lionel in the postwar era. This gondola was Lionel's answer to providing its customers with a longer and more realistic gondola than previous offerings (for example the 2452 gondola). The 6462 experienced many common manufacturing changes during its long 10-year run. For that reason, we'll highlight the common variations along with some of the more difficult ones to locate. Not all variations are listed on this web page.

The 6462 was introduced in 1949 as a top-of-the-line gondola with a great deal of detail in the body. Standard features included: painted body with white lettering, staple-end trucks with operating couplers, brake wheel, footsteps at all four corners and a set of six large unstained barrels.
As the production cycle evolved, so did the variations. Listed below are some of the more significant changes in year order:

• 1949 - Introduced as Lionel's premium gondola.
• 1950 - Footsteps at all four corners were eliminated.
• 1951 - Bar-end trucks replaced the staple-end trucks.
• 1953 - Between 1950 and 1953, brake wheels were gradually eliminated. All 027 sets were the first to see the brake wheel eliminated. Next to see their demise were the separate sale gondolas and finally the O gauge sets.
• 1954 - Sometime during 1954, the six large unstained barrels were replaced with six of the smaller stained barrels. These stained barrels were the same barrels used on the operating barrel car.
• 1956 - Prior to 1956, the "N" (in the NYC lettering) began in the second panel. For 1956 and 1957, the "N" was moved to the third panel from the left.
• 1957 - Introduction of the 6462-500 Girl's gondola in pink. A very desirable car and difficult to find in collector condition.

The 6462 is a common gondola as it was available in numerous sets as well as being available for separate sale. Finding a 6462 gondola is easy, acquiring every variation will take time.
Most Lionel reference books categorize the 6462 NYC gondola based upon the color of the gondola. We've elected to remain consistent with that approach.
In addition to the color variations, the other predominate differences between gondolas is the location of the lettering. The 'N' in 'NYC' can begin in either the second or third panel.
Except for the pink gondola from the girl's set, none of the variations listed below can be considered rare or hard to fine. The length of these gondolas are approximately 10 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
 Black - Almost all black gondolas are a painted variety. Some unpainted (molded black) ones do exist, but they are hard to locate. The black version is estimated to run from 1949 - 1956. All black gondolas have the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in the second panel.
 Red - Similar to the black gondolas, almost all red ones are a painted variety. Unpainted red gondolas do exist and are much more common than the unpainted black gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to run from 1950 - 1957. The red gondola can be found with the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in either the second or third panel. The second-panel version is from the 1950 - 1954 era while the third-panel version is from 1954 - 1957. The unpainted red gondola is from the end of the production cycle and includes the 'N' in 'NYC' in the third panel.
 Green - All green gondolas are a painted variety. There are no molded green gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to be from 1954 - 1957. The green gondola can be found with the 'N' in either the second or third panel. All green gondolas will command a premium compared to the other colors. The box for the green gondola (either labeled 6462-25 or with 'Green' printed on the end flap) is also hard to locate.
 Pink - All pink gondolas are a painted variety and have the 'N' in the third panel. Over the years, this gondola has become known as the 'Girl's Gondola.' The production cycle is estimated to be both 1957 and 1958, but the 1958 inventory is probably only 1957 production which did not sell in the first year. This is a very desirable and hard-to-locate gondola.

	6462 NYC Gondola
	Variation	Years
	Black	1949 - 1956
	Painted True Red	1952 - 1953
	Painted Tile Red	1953 - 1956
	Green NYC in 2nd panel	1954 & 1955
	Green NYC in 3rd panel	1956 & 1957
	Pink	1957 - 1958

6462 New York Central Gondola
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7+	$ 58.00	This is the harder-to-find green gondola produced in the mid-1950's. This freight car is nice and clean and includes a set of six original stained barrels.
	8	$ 40.00	Here's a beautiful, later version red gondola from the late 1950's. This gondola has bar-end trucks with tab couplers. The exterior lettering is crisp and clean and there is no rust nor oxidation on the base nor trucks.
	8+/OB	$ 52.00	Now available is a gorgeous black gondola complete with a set of six original postwar barrels and a nice solid original box. This gondola has beautiful exterior colors and pristine lettering.
	10/OB	$267.00	Up for sale is a brand new, unrun, all-original pink gondola from the infamous Girl Set produced in the late 1950's. The wheels are new and show no signs of ever being on the track. The exterior color is in phenomenal condition and the lettering is perfect.
	8/OB	$ 48.00	This is a beautiful black gondola from the mid-1950's. The exterior lettering and colors are pristine and there is minimal signs of usage. The frame and trucks are free of rust, nicks and chips. The original box is complete, solid and in great condition.
	10/OB	$145.00	Up for sale is a brand new, never used, truly Mint red gondola from 1950. The exterior red color is vibrant and the white side lettering is crisp, clean and complete. Also included are six orig. postwar barrels and the inspection tag!
	8+/OB	$150.00	Up for sale is a beautiful green gondola from 1954. This is the earlier version with the "NYC" beginning in the second panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and large, unstained barrels.
	9/OB	$215.00	Now available is a stunning green gondola from 1956. This is the later, and harder-to-find production version with the "NYC" beginning in the third panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and smaller, stained barrels.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

6462
New York Central
Long Gondola
1949 - 1958

item# A004-0000005

The 6462 New York Central gondola has the distinction of being the first long gondola introduced by Lionel in the postwar era. This gondola was Lionel's answer to providing its customers with a longer and more realistic gondola than previous offerings (for example the 2452 gondola). The 6462 experienced many common manufacturing changes during its long 10-year run. For that reason, we'll highlight the common variations along with some of the more difficult ones to locate. Not all variations are listed on this web page.

The 6462 was introduced in 1949 as a top-of-the-line gondola with a great deal of detail in the body. Standard features included: painted body with white lettering, staple-end trucks with operating couplers, brake wheel, footsteps at all four corners and a set of six large unstained barrels.
As the production cycle evolved, so did the variations. Listed below are some of the more significant changes in year order:

• 1949 - Introduced as Lionel's premium gondola.
• 1950 - Footsteps at all four corners were eliminated.
• 1951 - Bar-end trucks replaced the staple-end trucks.
• 1953 - Between 1950 and 1953, brake wheels were gradually eliminated. All 027 sets were the first to see the brake wheel eliminated. Next to see their demise were the separate sale gondolas and finally the O gauge sets.
• 1954 - Sometime during 1954, the six large unstained barrels were replaced with six of the smaller stained barrels. These stained barrels were the same barrels used on the operating barrel car.
• 1956 - Prior to 1956, the "N" (in the NYC lettering) began in the second panel. For 1956 and 1957, the "N" was moved to the third panel from the left.
• 1957 - Introduction of the 6462-500 Girl's gondola in pink. A very desirable car and difficult to find in collector condition.

The 6462 is a common gondola as it was available in numerous sets as well as being available for separate sale. Finding a 6462 gondola is easy, acquiring every variation will take time.
Most Lionel reference books categorize the 6462 NYC gondola based upon the color of the gondola. We've elected to remain consistent with that approach.
In addition to the color variations, the other predominate differences between gondolas is the location of the lettering. The 'N' in 'NYC' can begin in either the second or third panel.
Except for the pink gondola from the girl's set, none of the variations listed below can be considered rare or hard to fine. The length of these gondolas are approximately 10 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
 Black - Almost all black gondolas are a painted variety. Some unpainted (molded black) ones do exist, but they are hard to locate. The black version is estimated to run from 1949 - 1956. All black gondolas have the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in the second panel.
 Red - Similar to the black gondolas, almost all red ones are a painted variety. Unpainted red gondolas do exist and are much more common than the unpainted black gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to run from 1950 - 1957. The red gondola can be found with the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in either the second or third panel. The second-panel version is from the 1950 - 1954 era while the third-panel version is from 1954 - 1957. The unpainted red gondola is from the end of the production cycle and includes the 'N' in 'NYC' in the third panel.
 Green - All green gondolas are a painted variety. There are no molded green gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to be from 1954 - 1957. The green gondola can be found with the 'N' in either the second or third panel. All green gondolas will command a premium compared to the other colors. The box for the green gondola (either labeled 6462-25 or with 'Green' printed on the end flap) is also hard to locate.
 Pink - All pink gondolas are a painted variety and have the 'N' in the third panel. Over the years, this gondola has become known as the 'Girl's Gondola.' The production cycle is estimated to be both 1957 and 1958, but the 1958 inventory is probably only 1957 production which did not sell in the first year. This is a very desirable and hard-to-locate gondola.

	6462 NYC Gondola
	Variation	Years
	Black	1949 - 1956
	Painted True Red	1952 - 1953
	Painted Tile Red	1953 - 1956
	Green NYC in 2nd panel	1954 & 1955
	Green NYC in 3rd panel	1956 & 1957
	Pink	1957 - 1958

6462 New York Central Gondola
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7+	$ 58.00	This is the harder-to-find green gondola produced in the mid-1950's. This freight car is nice and clean and includes a set of six original stained barrels.
	8	$ 40.00	Here's a beautiful, later version red gondola from the late 1950's. This gondola has bar-end trucks with tab couplers. The exterior lettering is crisp and clean and there is no rust nor oxidation on the base nor trucks.
	8+/OB	$ 52.00	Now available is a gorgeous black gondola complete with a set of six original postwar barrels and a nice solid original box. This gondola has beautiful exterior colors and pristine lettering.
	10/OB	$267.00	Up for sale is a brand new, unrun, all-original pink gondola from the infamous Girl Set produced in the late 1950's. The wheels are new and show no signs of ever being on the track. The exterior color is in phenomenal condition and the lettering is perfect.
	8/OB	$ 48.00	This is a beautiful black gondola from the mid-1950's. The exterior lettering and colors are pristine and there is minimal signs of usage. The frame and trucks are free of rust, nicks and chips. The original box is complete, solid and in great condition.
	10/OB	$145.00	Up for sale is a brand new, never used, truly Mint red gondola from 1950. The exterior red color is vibrant and the white side lettering is crisp, clean and complete. Also included are six orig. postwar barrels and the inspection tag!
	8+/OB	$150.00	Up for sale is a beautiful green gondola from 1954. This is the earlier version with the "NYC" beginning in the second panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and large, unstained barrels.
	9/OB	$215.00	Now available is a stunning green gondola from 1956. This is the later, and harder-to-find production version with the "NYC" beginning in the third panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and smaller, stained barrels.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store. 

Reason for this blog....

The main reason I started this blog is to stage my etsy site. I want your feed back as to the condition and proper pricing of these objects. Yeah I've looked at and tried eBay but for what I have it is not the most reliable or proper site. Give me your feedback both good and bad and if you want a heads up about when something will be available send your email. BJ- thanks

6462
New York Central
Long Gondola
1949 - 1958

item# A004-0000004

The 6462 New York Central gondola has the distinction of being the first long gondola introduced by Lionel in the postwar era. This gondola was Lionel's answer to providing its customers with a longer and more realistic gondola than previous offerings (for example the 2452 gondola). The 6462 experienced many common manufacturing changes during its long 10-year run. For that reason, we'll highlight the common variations along with some of the more difficult ones to locate. Not all variations are listed on this web page.

The 6462 was introduced in 1949 as a top-of-the-line gondola with a great deal of detail in the body. Standard features included: painted body with white lettering, staple-end trucks with operating couplers, brake wheel, footsteps at all four corners and a set of six large unstained barrels.
As the production cycle evolved, so did the variations. Listed below are some of the more significant changes in year order:

• 1949 - Introduced as Lionel's premium gondola.
• 1950 - Footsteps at all four corners were eliminated.
• 1951 - Bar-end trucks replaced the staple-end trucks.
• 1953 - Between 1950 and 1953, brake wheels were gradually eliminated. All 027 sets were the first to see the brake wheel eliminated. Next to see their demise were the separate sale gondolas and finally the O gauge sets.
• 1954 - Sometime during 1954, the six large unstained barrels were replaced with six of the smaller stained barrels. These stained barrels were the same barrels used on the operating barrel car.
• 1956 - Prior to 1956, the "N" (in the NYC lettering) began in the second panel. For 1956 and 1957, the "N" was moved to the third panel from the left.
• 1957 - Introduction of the 6462-500 Girl's gondola in pink. A very desirable car and difficult to find in collector condition.

The 6462 is a common gondola as it was available in numerous sets as well as being available for separate sale. Finding a 6462 gondola is easy, acquiring every variation will take time.
Most Lionel reference books categorize the 6462 NYC gondola based upon the color of the gondola. We've elected to remain consistent with that approach.
In addition to the color variations, the other predominate differences between gondolas is the location of the lettering. The 'N' in 'NYC' can begin in either the second or third panel.
Except for the pink gondola from the girl's set, none of the variations listed below can be considered rare or hard to fine. The length of these gondolas are approximately 10 1/2" long (coupler to coupler).
 Black - Almost all black gondolas are a painted variety. Some unpainted (molded black) ones do exist, but they are hard to locate. The black version is estimated to run from 1949 - 1956. All black gondolas have the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in the second panel.
 Red - Similar to the black gondolas, almost all red ones are a painted variety. Unpainted red gondolas do exist and are much more common than the unpainted black gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to run from 1950 - 1957. The red gondola can be found with the 'N' in 'NYC' beginning in either the second or third panel. The second-panel version is from the 1950 - 1954 era while the third-panel version is from 1954 - 1957. The unpainted red gondola is from the end of the production cycle and includes the 'N' in 'NYC' in the third panel.
 Green - All green gondolas are a painted variety. There are no molded green gondolas. The production cycle is estimated to be from 1954 - 1957. The green gondola can be found with the 'N' in either the second or third panel. All green gondolas will command a premium compared to the other colors. The box for the green gondola (either labeled 6462-25 or with 'Green' printed on the end flap) is also hard to locate.
 Pink - All pink gondolas are a painted variety and have the 'N' in the third panel. Over the years, this gondola has become known as the 'Girl's Gondola.' The production cycle is estimated to be both 1957 and 1958, but the 1958 inventory is probably only 1957 production which did not sell in the first year. This is a very desirable and hard-to-locate gondola.

	6462 NYC Gondola
	Variation	Years
	Black	1949 - 1956
	Painted True Red	1952 - 1953
	Painted Tile Red	1953 - 1956
	Green NYC in 2nd panel	1954 & 1955
	Green NYC in 3rd panel	1956 & 1957
	Pink	1957 - 1958

6462 New York Central Gondola
	Condition	Price	Comments
	7+	$ 58.00	This is the harder-to-find green gondola produced in the mid-1950's. This freight car is nice and clean and includes a set of six original stained barrels.
	8	$ 40.00	Here's a beautiful, later version red gondola from the late 1950's. This gondola has bar-end trucks with tab couplers. The exterior lettering is crisp and clean and there is no rust nor oxidation on the base nor trucks.
	8+/OB	$ 52.00	Now available is a gorgeous black gondola complete with a set of six original postwar barrels and a nice solid original box. This gondola has beautiful exterior colors and pristine lettering.
	10/OB	$267.00	Up for sale is a brand new, unrun, all-original pink gondola from the infamous Girl Set produced in the late 1950's. The wheels are new and show no signs of ever being on the track. The exterior color is in phenomenal condition and the lettering is perfect.
	8/OB	$ 48.00	This is a beautiful black gondola from the mid-1950's. The exterior lettering and colors are pristine and there is minimal signs of usage. The frame and trucks are free of rust, nicks and chips. The original box is complete, solid and in great condition.
	10/OB	$145.00	Up for sale is a brand new, never used, truly Mint red gondola from 1950. The exterior red color is vibrant and the white side lettering is crisp, clean and complete. Also included are six orig. postwar barrels and the inspection tag!
	8+/OB	$150.00	Up for sale is a beautiful green gondola from 1954. This is the earlier version with the "NYC" beginning in the second panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and large, unstained barrels.
	9/OB	$215.00	Now available is a stunning green gondola from 1956. This is the later, and harder-to-find production version with the "NYC" beginning in the third panel. Also included is a solid, complete original box and smaller, stained barrels.

All postings here are for educational purposes only, 

Please leave a comment as to what you think would be a good 

price and description for my etsy store.