6462
New York Central
Long Gondola
1949 - 1958

item# A004-0000003

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.

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