The Fuzzy World 3um

I have some Lionel trains, not much tough just two steamers (one modern era, one postwar), a gondola, caboose (modern era) and some track (both modern/postwar and maybe some prewar) and a modern era transformer. Today I picked up the Milwaukee Road 2338 GP7 model a postwar from the 1960's. Price tag said it ran great and I think it looks great too.

I purchased it at an antique store. I had bought some HO stuff from that seller a few years ago (BN Caboose, BN SD45 and BN Boxcar). They didn't cost too much, all old Atheran Blue Box stuff.

I also saw a modern era (different seller) SD28 in Lionel's orange/blue "Lionel Lines" colors from 1982 according to the box.
That unit cost $150. while the postwar GP7 I got cost $85.

My questions are why was the modern era locomotive cost more than the postwar GP7?

Was it just the fact it was different sellers?

And what is the best way to keep all my Lionel trains running at peak efficiency? I hardly run them, mostly collect them, but would like to run them again and try out my GP7 and postwar steamer.

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I wouldnt mind seeing a few pics of the Milw Rd loco, I think you got a good deal on it. I have been into Lionel for many many years. I also do repair work on them. The SD18 I feel was over priced. the post war locos are better construction.

Mike Slater
Sturtevant WI

You do repair work? How would I myself repair track then? I go the traditional three rail track (not fastrack). I will post pictures of it this weekend perhaps. (The 2338 that is). What Lionel do you have?

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I have to much to list

My late father and I collected Lionel the Collection goes back to the 1930's to present. Almost one of every item Lionel offered, plus some versions of the items, example I have at least 3 of the Milw Rd loco's each of them diffrent. At Trainfest in Milwaukee I have been taking a 1938 Lionel OO layout. I would recomend getting a Lionel repair manual, Kalmbach produces a basic little blue book of re prints of lionel service manuals of pouplar postwar items. Another company offers a CD of all the service documents. Repair parts may be purchased from Rustys trains in Two Rivers wisconsin, or at Somerfields in Butler. I have also ordered parts from Olsens in Ohio

If you decide to Collect toy trains, I would recomend getting a price guide from Kalmbach so you have an idea of values. You also may want to consider joing the Train Collectors Association and the Lionel Collectors Club of America.

Mike Slater
Member of TCA, LCCA, & NMRA