Chris, Another terrific video! I'm 77 years old...and a life-time American Flyer enthusiast. I went for the 'prototypical' 2-rail track! Today I model in S 'hi-rail' (code 138 track) and realistic scenery...but I still enjoy a good toy train layout. And I thoroughly enjoy the history of Lionel and a nice Lionel layout like yours. Your videos are exceptional...best on TH-cam. Your presentation is professional and your photography/videography are unmatched. You're doing a wonderful job promoting the hobby of O gauge trains. Keep up the great work. By the way, I agree with you that there's something magical about the simplicity of the 50s-60s era toy trains...be they O or S gauge! Today's DCC sound decoders are neat...but not as neat as a toy train whistle that's half motor noise!
@@MrDanielmarlowe I was trying to use it as an avenue for a more accurate track width for 3 foot narrow gauge. Taking into account that HO is half the width of O, most people see it as better for 2 foot. That’s why I experimented with putting S gauge trucks on O27 gauge freight cars, the end result doesn’t look half bad and the truck to body proportions are just fine.
@ finding a good amount of S gauge track can be hard nobody makes it. If your are looking for realistic I would use S Helper flex Track if you can find any. American models track is good too.
I think many would agree that an original 1950 773 is one of the best and most expensive postwar locomotives out there. Postwar trains are definitely treasures!
Hi Chris. Thank you for making this fantastic video on Postwar Lionel. A lot of other model train youtubers only do the LIonel China trains. Prewar and Postwar Lionel is American history at its best.
I do my share of showing the modern stuff but my true passion is vintage trains. I mainly run vintage between the modern videos, but don't tell anyone, haha!
Vintage trains are great. I still have my original from Christmas of 1958. Still runs and smokes and whistle works. Thanks again for showing and running these classics.
Great video Chris, I've have or had several of those sets. I collect both Lionel and American Flyer. I love them both. I always enjoy watching Post War trains running. Thanks
Really enjoyed this video, postwar lionel has always been my favorite lionel era, especially since I enjoyed seeing the sets from 1958, I used to spend hours looking through the catalog my grandpa had, and have the pennsylvania set you showcased.
And my favorite postwar engine is my 2065 lionel steamer with the streamlined tender. I believe it was released in 1954 thru 1956. It was my first train, and it still runs on the upper section of my layout.
Chris, just wanted to tell you that I love your channel. I'm old, got cancer, you know the story. I don't have the ability to build a set, but sure do enjoy watching you. Thanks for the entertainment! You're the best!
I am so sorry to hear you are on this journey with cancer. Praying for you and healing. I appreciate your comment and know that we are thinking of you!
For Christmas I got dad a 221 Dreyfuss Hudson and for a 77 year old locomotive it's a beautiful runner. Fun Fact: Every train shown in this video was made in Irvington, NJ.
@@FlipFlopandFly you are a very lucky person..did you ever get to tour the factory? What jobs did your uncles perform? I am a lionel history nut. I want to learn everything about that wonderful era .
@@jameslanders4819 His uncle John worked in the main plant in NYC. His uncle Lou worked in Irvington. Uncle John was a supervisor on the assembly and production line. His Uncle Lou was tested all the engines out after production, before they hit the market. Now I remember, also, his cousin Freddy painted the F3's as well. All Post War Era. Love your Videos!
I never got a tour though. My late father did quite a few times. I was born in 1968.One story I remember my father telling me when the 2343 Santa Fe Locomotives came out, they were and still are such a hot item to collect. Any how this employee decided to hide the F3 under her raincoat, Well she forgot to take the battery out of the locomotive. The horn went off before leaving the plant and she was fired on the spot.
Your santa fe freight train, reminded me of the santa fe set made by tyco, my dad got me when i was a kid. Unfortunately he retired from the marine corp, and we moved. he tosed it.
I’ve got the same 1950 Hudson Freight set with all the original pieces! I absolutely love that Hudson, I run it almost every time I run the trains! I’ve also got the NYC F-3 AA set and the 4 passenger cars from the Santa Fe passenger train, love those too!
It was so refreshing to find this video showing 0 gage trains. I'm a female senior and remember the train set my brother and I had as kids. I'm setting up a very small layout with just 2 tracks and a couple of old Marx steam locomotives with an assortment of both Lionel and Marx cars. I'm building all my own buildings and will build most all of the scenery. Even though I don't have matching sets its just a lot of fun to run the 0 gage trains. Your sets are wonderful and your layout is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
That is so cool that you are building your layout and making the buildings on your own. There is such an artistic side of this hobby that I admire. Thank you for watching!
Love my postwar Lionel. I have an entire layout just for them and some Williams and K-Line. My favorite postwar Lionel is my 736. It can pull!!! I'm not concerned about keeping them stock. I customize some of mine. I just added a 700e bell, whistle and flag stantions to my 2056 Hudson. I added full handrails to some engines where the handrails ended at the front of boiler but did not follow down the ladders to the front pilot. Some I added 700e handrail stantions replacing the cotter pins. I added a smoke unit to my 1666. I was going to replace the headlights with LEDs but I like the warm glow of the 18 volt bulb. I have replaced the headlight lenses on all of them because the originals were deteriorated or beat up. I touch up the paint on my engines and a black shoe shine improves their looks. One thing is certain, they will always run with a good cleaning and lube job. Even the e-units are simple to rebuild and work great. I wouldn't buy a modern Lionel except maybe a ready to run set. Otherwise, MTH for me. I can repair them myself.
This is going to probably be my favorite video you have done! As a postwar collector/operator I love seeing these running on a well detailed layout such as yours. You aren’t wrong about the noise postwar accessories make, they are most certainly loud but they have their charm!! I couldn’t help but giggle a little when you mentioned the Scout set costing $18.95 in 1949. Using an inflation calculator it comes out to $251.20, which proves this hobby has never been exactly cheap lol. Like you I can say the 746 is probably my absolute favorite locomotive from the postwar period and I finally have one of my own. I found it interesting to hear yours does the same thing as mine with being able to hear the clap of the smoke unit…. It’s mildly annoying lol. But I love mine anyway because it was my unicorn for a very long time. I purposely seeded a short stripe version because to me, it represents that it’s an earlier version even though it’s not as collectible as the long stripe tender. A Super O layout would be awesome to see you build by the way!! Great video as always!!
All Treasure here!! No trash to be see at all. Lionel May have came out with the 2500 series passenger cars for the Santa Fe in 1952, but they weren’t the First. AMT (Alburn Model Trains) came out with their aluminum Santa Fe cars in 1950. The radioactive waste car is still on my collection list, If you have the 6805 paired up with the Menards Power plant, you’ll have yourself a really impressive Action scene! Once again, Great video Chris! Keep it up 👍🏻 🚂
Nice run Chris, Thanks. I keep a 2055, tender and a milk crate of AMT passenger cars on hand in case smaller engineers are around and want to get involved, its a lot of fun watching kids discover the magic of old trains. That's my only add to your post war collection Sir.
Agree! Had friends over during Christmas and it was so much fun letting their kids take over the train room. I think everything (new and old) was run at one point or another!
Thanks for highlighting Postwar Lionel. They were having a renaissance when I first got into trains in the late 90s/early 00s. But they've quickly taken a back seat to the latest and greatest tech. I'd love to see a Super O layout with operating accessories. Maybe a video with some Prewar trains, too?
There is nothing in the world that beats the sight and smell of an old Lionel Postwar train going around! My personal favorite is the 2055 Hudson and the 736 Berkshire. Still looking for the 736 but my 2055 runs beautifully. Great video and happy new years Chris!
Hi Chris Yet another very interesting look at some fantastic old trains, and it’s a testament of quality to the manufacture regarding that they still are working today. Very enjoyable video. Thanks All the best to you. Keith (Southampton UK)
Chris, I have a 2183 set manufactured in 1952, but my Grandfather got it for me in 1956 when I was two years old, I still run it occasionally It has the 726 RR Berkshire Engine . It is my treasured old set.
I am not surprised you got a road name different than the catalog. My childhood postwar train set came with a different 6464 boxcar from the one in the catalog. It wasn't something my father requested, so it was either done by the dealer or done by Lionel.
Very nice nostalgic video Chris, I love all the trains from Lionel. I fell in love with the Santa Fe A-B-A with passenger cars but never got one at Christmas. I did get a M&StL GP9 work train with "magna traction" in the 60's which I loved and had it for years. It came with the M&StL box car a gondola, a crane car and the crane tender equipped with Super O track and a transformer for just over $100. I've been missing your video's so keep 'em comin'.
🟢Born in ‘52, many of us had ‘train sets.’ I had HO because of space. 50-60’s function was the word. Switches, many hours, and running 2-5 trains/time. Analogue, AC, and wonderful. I had a cousin who had Lionel in the 50’s that was stupefying. 32 switches, trap door access, 100’+ track, cities, mountains, his dad was talented, as was he. It was a terrific time. If there was a golden era in America, it was then. It was good. Food, family gatherings, school, PLAY. 🇺🇸 🌞 Great, professional grade video. Your delivery, content, smile and eyes are as good as network tv, but truthful. I’m sure you’ve heard it, but you could do J Carrey. Spot on. Beautiful, functional layout, A-1 sharp, lots of open track. Trains really 🟢 go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks… again, soon. … 🔴
Excellent video ... one of the best, if not the best! Build a super o layout. Not to nitpick ... but I guess you realize that the 1960's berkshire set has a 1950's 736 berkshire on the point. The postwar era is simply the best. If maintained the postwar trains will run the same today as they did approximately 70 or more years ago. Once again, the best!
Great video, and I can relate to the cool factor of these post-war locos. After a few years focused on building an HO layout, I've recently turned my attention back to American Flyer S Gauge. The postwar stuff. Unpacking my old fleet and getting everything running again has been a rewarding experience. The magic of these old, shall we say 'experienced' trains as they take to the rails again never wears off. It's the same with your Lionel stuff. Long may they run!
There are so many good pieces there, Chris. I love the 746; it's one I've been after for a little while. My first lionels were postwar 1950s, I knew the original owner who got them as a boy as we used to talk trains. There not the most collectible but I treasure them just as much if not more that the fancier stuff.
There is something special when you can connect with the prior owner of the sets. I have so many vintage trains and will never know their story. Thanks for watching!
Life long HO and N scaler here. I have to admit I couldn’t stand Lionel, but last year I got my first Post war set and I’m addicted to the vintage Lionel.
I was 5 in 1969 my dad got me a Lionel train set for Christmas,I bet today it would be something special😊I don't know what set it was.but at age 60 iAm a little kid inside and still love them,slot car tracks also,,i share this hobby with my grandsons and they love them ❤
The 1948/49 2146WS Three-Car Pullman set. Powered by a 726 Berkshire with a 2426W tender. My most expensive outfit. The sets you ran I have only seen in print. Thank you as it is nice to see them actually running. So they are treasures. The solenoid operated accessories that bussed are part of the charm (or curse) of that era as is the ozone.
Great video. Thank you. I like your idea of doing a video on Lionel accessories. That would be fun.......and with some luck you can get them to work properly!!
My favorite vintage train in this video was of course the Santa Fe ABA F units. My Gpa has that set that he got brand new as a kid and it in phenomenal shape, still running to this day. A good post war train you should get would be the General steam engine, that's another favorite of mine. Great video Chris!
I really like that 2525WS set... the J heading it is top on my list to acquire and that whole set looks very nice on your layout. Thank you for sharing!
Lionel's from the post war era are the best! I like the fact that you can repair them yourself! The modern one's are nice but due to electronics are beyond my ability to repair them!
Thanks, Chris. Those are good representations of postwar models. I quit bidding on eBay when I could no longer successfully snipe the bid in the last few seconds. No matter what my max bid might be, I was always outbid by exactly one dollar. I got tired of wasting my time, and eBay demands my method of payment prior to making a bid now, so I took the hint and stopped bidding altogether and buy most of my train items from Trainz now.
We had the 2525ws set growing up. We had the short stripe tender and it also came with the culvert loader and unloader. Our layouts were predominantly Super “0” and run endlessly by 2 little boys who were Lionel lovers (my younger brother and I). We always thought the 746 sounded like my mom’s sewing machine.😂. You should build a Super “0” layout. There are a few sticky details if you dare to pursue this. TCA used to be full of Super “0” experts.
Nice video Chris! My dad still has his 736 Berk from 1950. That's the first year of the 736. You need to add the Lionel 50th Anniversary set with the yellow Union Pacific FA's and yellow passenger cars. I grew up playing with the UP FA silver passenger set with the grey roof and red letters. Thanks for this post war blast from the past! ~Ricky
I great video Chris! Happy new year to you and the family. I love my post war train collection. I run modern and when I want a change I break out one of my large post war trains. You can’t beat em they’re so simple but yet timeless.
i was at a local train show with a lot of old modelsets. After i got over my first disapointment about this "old stuff" i was amazed to see model sets how thes used to be, in a historic model world.
There is a different perspective when looking at these older trainsets. I think this is why they are appreciated by so many even when they do not have all of the proportions, rivets and sounds of the newer stuff. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Very interesting video. Great insight into Lionel trains. For comparison, according to web sources, a 1958 $100 train would cost over $1000.00 today!!! Thanks for sharing your amazing enthusiasm and collection.
All treasures here brother, no trash! They've ALL stood the test of time! In fact, with the exception of the ones still in "Brand new, in the box, with all the paperwork" condition all Post-Wars are becoming a VERY economical way for newcomers to enter the hobby and with the advantage of being relatively easy t work on once you know how it's done. There's plenty of TH-cam videos to show you how in addition to books on the subject. All Post-Wars are solid, rugged, reliable, and lend themselves to longevity. I've got all the contemporary models I want so from now on I'm going Post-War, and in fact by purchasing ones in less-than-perfect exterior condition I've got some good candidates for customs paint jobs of my own. Great video Chris! I'm sure you gotten some people thinking out there! And Happy New Year to you and yours!
Happy New Year Chris from Scotland. Great vid, got my Hornby Dublo 3 rail track in 1961 (old school at that time) unfortunately had to give it away several years ago. Wish I had kept it. Bill
The only O gauge train set I have is my late grandfather's 1930s Marx New York Central steam locomotive with mixed freight cars. Also all of the freight cars a tinplate. While the locomotive is a heavy die cast model. I have it displayed on the headboard of my 1950s midcentury bed. Which was also my grandparents. I'm quite honored to be the inheritor of both of those things. I also inherited my grandfather's G scale train set and streetcar. I do have a variety of HO scale stuff too, but I mainly model in N scale due to space. Plus I just really love N scale.
My Dad has a Lionel Santa Fe F7 set with freight cars from sometime in the early 70s. Ironically, the town I live in operates a railroad explicitly for tourists, and 8 years ago, bought 2 F7 locos and restored them, so I see them all the time. But they repainted them.
Very nice, Chris! Post-war is what I grew up with and is the best. I run all conventional on my Chooch's Trains channel, with post-war Lionel being in the majority, along with my AMT passenger cars. I do run some Marx and an MTH Rail King locomotive along with a bunch of later, modern freight cars, which I like, because they roll easily. I like the fact that your 1964 773 has the proper tender, instead of the Pennsy tender, which permeated the line-up, in the mid-50's and beyond. The 2343 Santa Fe F's look good pulling the later, Super Speedliner cars. War Bonnets should always pull stainless steel passenger cars. The freight sets were so diverse and some of yours have cars that are pretty desirable. The Scout sets evolved from the pre-war Lionel Jr. sets. They are pretty decent sets and offered lots of play value for a great price. I like the smoking caboose, which was a neat addition, just like the prototypes. For whatever reason, all of mine have decided to quit smoking. I guess that they wanted to 'kick' the habit. Either way, your post-war collection is quite nice and it's fun watching them run on your layout. As always, an excellent video.
I think almost any train era has items that can become vintage collectibles with age. After all, in more recent years even stuff from the MPC era has become collectible. It makes me wonder if in the future people will start collecting LTI era trains as well.
I love seeing all these vintage trains then seeing my little postwar set I have around the Christmas tree. thing can take anything with how much it gets derailed by my sister
Chris, I share your feelings of postwar lionel..I enjoyed this video very much! I collect and operate vintage lionel on my simple layout. I am lucky to have some of the items you showed us. I have been trying to buy that 6557 smoking caboose..I think it would be spectacular for you to build a super O layout .
Chris, Another terrific video! I'm 77 years old...and a life-time American Flyer enthusiast. I went for the 'prototypical' 2-rail track! Today I model in S 'hi-rail' (code 138 track) and realistic scenery...but I still enjoy a good toy train layout. And I thoroughly enjoy the history of Lionel and a nice Lionel layout like yours. Your videos are exceptional...best on TH-cam. Your presentation is professional and your photography/videography are unmatched. You're doing a wonderful job promoting the hobby of O gauge trains. Keep up the great work. By the way, I agree with you that there's something magical about the simplicity of the 50s-60s era toy trains...be they O or S gauge! Today's DCC sound decoders are neat...but not as neat as a toy train whistle that's half motor noise!
@@BCGsummer1964 what would be your thoughts on using S gauge track as the base for On3?
@@HighballMachineWorks HO track is prototypical for ON3
@@MrDanielmarlowe I was trying to use it as an avenue for a more accurate track width for 3 foot narrow gauge. Taking into account that HO is half the width of O, most people see it as better for 2 foot. That’s why I experimented with putting S gauge trucks on O27 gauge freight cars, the end result doesn’t look half bad and the truck to body proportions are just fine.
@ finding a good amount of S gauge track can be hard nobody makes it. If your are looking for realistic I would use S Helper flex Track if you can find any. American models track is good too.
@ option 3 would be Lionel S Fastrack?
Those Santa Fe F3's gotta be the happiest engines Lionel ever made. I always smile when I look at them! 😊
Love the Post War Lionel. They are works of art.
I’d love to see Lionel bring back the smoking caboose series. That seems like a fun thing!
I think they did at one point around 2012 or so.
I have a newer one 2005ish it's fun. I used wood smelling smoke in it.
I think many would agree that an original 1950 773 is one of the best and most expensive postwar locomotives out there. Postwar trains are definitely treasures!
Hi Chris. Thank you for making this fantastic video on Postwar Lionel. A lot of other model train youtubers only do the LIonel China trains. Prewar and Postwar Lionel is American history at its best.
I do my share of showing the modern stuff but my true passion is vintage trains. I mainly run vintage between the modern videos, but don't tell anyone, haha!
@RBPTrains I heard that! Your secrets out now Chris. Ha Ha. I love vintage also.
When you love trains... It doesn't matter how old they are... As long as the run 😉👍
Exactly!
Vintage Trains are Treasure.
Alway liked the Lionel sets pulled by the Lionel 681 Pennsylvania steam turbine locomotive. They were usually very good runners.
Vintage trains are great. I still have my original from Christmas of 1958. Still runs and smokes and whistle works. Thanks again for showing and running these classics.
Post war is definitely treasure
Hands down, treasures for sure! Triple treasures for being made in the USA! Thank you for sharing!
Haven’t started the video yet, but a great way to start off my day. Thank you Chris, have a good day.
CHRIS ANYTHING THAT PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE IS WORTH SOMETHING ;-)
13:29, you gotta love the old solenoid buzz! As a postwar collector, that’s half the fun!
It is a unique sound that only a train person can love!
Great video Chris, I've have or had several of those sets. I collect both Lionel and American Flyer. I love them both. I always enjoy watching Post War trains running. Thanks
Excellent and thanks for watching!
Really enjoyed this video, postwar lionel has always been my favorite lionel era, especially since I enjoyed seeing the sets from 1958, I used to spend hours looking through the catalog my grandpa had, and have the pennsylvania set you showcased.
Gotta love the F3's, expecially the New York Central! They bring back memories.
Very nice. Postwar trains are always a joy. Ken
And my favorite postwar engine is my 2065 lionel steamer with the streamlined tender. I believe it was released in 1954 thru 1956. It was my first train, and it still runs on the upper section of my layout.
That is a great locomotive. I have one too. It may be my best runner
Chris, just wanted to tell you that I love your channel. I'm old, got cancer, you know the story. I don't have the ability to build a set, but sure do enjoy watching you. Thanks for the entertainment! You're the best!
God bless you Sir. Speedy recovery.
I am so sorry to hear you are on this journey with cancer. Praying for you and healing. I appreciate your comment and know that we are thinking of you!
For Christmas I got dad a 221 Dreyfuss Hudson and for a 77 year old locomotive it's a beautiful runner.
Fun Fact: Every train shown in this video was made in Irvington, NJ.
Both of my father's Uncles worked for Lionel. We have two sets of every post war set from 1945-1969 Keep up the great work!
@@FlipFlopandFly you are a very lucky person..did you ever get to tour the factory? What jobs did your uncles perform? I am a lionel history nut. I want to learn everything about that wonderful era .
@@jameslanders4819 His uncle John worked in the main plant in NYC. His uncle Lou worked in Irvington. Uncle John was a supervisor on the assembly and production line. His Uncle Lou was tested all the engines out after production, before they hit the market. Now I remember, also, his cousin Freddy painted the F3's as well. All Post War Era. Love your Videos!
I never got a tour though. My late father did quite a few times. I was born in 1968.One story I remember my father telling me when the 2343 Santa Fe Locomotives came out, they were and still are such a hot item to collect. Any how this employee decided to hide the F3 under her raincoat, Well she forgot to take the battery out of the locomotive. The horn went off before leaving the plant and she was fired on the spot.
@@FlipFlopandFly thanks for your reply. That family history is something to be proud of.
@FlipFlopandFly wow, what an incredible story. It's like the F3 was screaming out" I'm being stolen"!
The Santa Fe set is gorgeous
Your santa fe freight train, reminded me of the santa fe set made by tyco, my dad got me when i was a kid. Unfortunately he retired from the marine corp, and we moved. he tosed it.
That’s a shame!
@RBPTrains I know. What's even worse, is that Tyco went out of business in the early 90's....
They Tyco Santa Fe HO set is probably the most common out there right now super easy to replace. I have two in chrome and four in silver paint.
You layout really shows off these classic sets
I’ve got the same 1950 Hudson Freight set with all the original pieces! I absolutely love that Hudson, I run it almost every time I run the trains! I’ve also got the NYC F-3 AA set and the 4 passenger cars from the Santa Fe passenger train, love those too!
It was so refreshing to find this video showing 0 gage trains. I'm a female senior and remember the train set my brother and I had as kids. I'm setting up a very small layout with just 2 tracks and a couple of old Marx steam locomotives with an assortment of both Lionel and Marx cars. I'm building all my own buildings and will build most all of the scenery. Even though I don't have matching sets its just a lot of fun to run the 0 gage trains. Your sets are wonderful and your layout is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
That is so cool that you are building your layout and making the buildings on your own. There is such an artistic side of this hobby that I admire. Thank you for watching!
Nicely done. As I kid I inherited that 4 car steam set from my uncle and I still have it today proudly displayed.
Love my postwar Lionel. I have an entire layout just for them and some Williams and K-Line. My favorite postwar Lionel is my 736. It can pull!!! I'm not concerned about keeping them stock. I customize some of mine. I just added a 700e bell, whistle and flag stantions to my 2056 Hudson. I added full handrails to some engines where the handrails ended at the front of boiler but did not follow down the ladders to the front pilot. Some I added 700e handrail stantions replacing the cotter pins. I added a smoke unit to my 1666. I was going to replace the headlights with LEDs but I like the warm glow of the 18 volt bulb. I have replaced the headlight lenses on all of them because the originals were deteriorated or beat up. I touch up the paint on my engines and a black shoe shine improves their looks. One thing is certain, they will always run with a good cleaning and lube job. Even the e-units are simple to rebuild and work great. I wouldn't buy a modern Lionel except maybe a ready to run set. Otherwise, MTH for me. I can repair them myself.
It is nice being able to work on them without needed a technician or specific parts. For many, that is part of the fun of the hobby!
This is going to probably be my favorite video you have done! As a postwar collector/operator I love seeing these running on a well detailed layout such as yours. You aren’t wrong about the noise postwar accessories make, they are most certainly loud but they have their charm!!
I couldn’t help but giggle a little when you mentioned the Scout set costing $18.95 in 1949. Using an inflation calculator it comes out to $251.20, which proves this hobby has never been exactly cheap lol.
Like you I can say the 746 is probably my absolute favorite locomotive from the postwar period and I finally have one of my own. I found it interesting to hear yours does the same thing as mine with being able to hear the clap of the smoke unit…. It’s mildly annoying lol. But I love mine anyway because it was my unicorn for a very long time. I purposely seeded a short stripe version because to me, it represents that it’s an earlier version even though it’s not as collectible as the long stripe tender.
A Super O layout would be awesome to see you build by the way!! Great video as always!!
I have heard some folks equate the sound of the 746 to a sewing machine, haha! Thanks for watching
All Treasure here!! No trash to be see at all. Lionel May have came out with the 2500 series passenger cars for the Santa Fe in 1952, but they weren’t the First. AMT (Alburn Model Trains) came out with their aluminum Santa Fe cars in 1950. The radioactive waste car is still on my collection list, If you have the 6805 paired up with the Menards Power plant, you’ll have yourself a really impressive Action scene! Once again, Great video Chris! Keep it up 👍🏻 🚂
Absolutely love the F series EMD diesels! Love the auto rack cars too!
Nice run Chris, Thanks. I keep a 2055, tender and a milk crate of AMT passenger cars on hand in case smaller engineers are around and want to get involved, its a lot of fun watching kids discover the magic of old trains. That's my only add to your post war collection Sir.
Agree! Had friends over during Christmas and it was so much fun letting their kids take over the train room. I think everything (new and old) was run at one point or another!
I have a 1950’s F3 Sante Fe Super Chief train set that my Dad owned as a kid. Its by far my favorite Vintage train. 🚊
Thanks for highlighting Postwar Lionel. They were having a renaissance when I first got into trains in the late 90s/early 00s. But they've quickly taken a back seat to the latest and greatest tech. I'd love to see a Super O layout with operating accessories. Maybe a video with some Prewar trains, too?
There is nothing in the world that beats the sight and smell of an old Lionel Postwar train going around! My personal favorite is the 2055 Hudson and the 736 Berkshire. Still looking for the 736 but my 2055 runs beautifully. Great video and happy new years Chris!
What a great video mate!
So cool!
Always great to see ya & your epic train videos!
Thanks for watching!
Great layout, Great trains 🚂, Great video. TY Chris 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
They were all my favorites.
Love the simplicity of post war era model trains!! Great video and thanks for sharing!! Happy New Year!!
Thanks Mike and Happy New Year to you my friend!
I LOVE THA " NORFOLK & WESTERN " SET BROTHER, "BEAUTIFUL"!! 👍❤😎🤓🧐🥸🥳🤯🤠😇😍🙃😊
Hi Chris
Yet another very interesting look at some fantastic old trains, and it’s a testament of quality to the manufacture regarding that they still are working today. Very enjoyable video. Thanks
All the best to you.
Keith (Southampton UK)
This is treasure for me all of them
Chris, I have a 2183 set manufactured in 1952, but my Grandfather got it for me in 1956 when I was two years old, I still run it occasionally It has the 726 RR Berkshire Engine . It is my treasured old set.
The old trains with minor maintenance just seem to run forever the new ones you need a degree in electronics and money great video Chris 😃🚂🎄👍
Postwar rules! Great video! Look into the 1656 steam switcher with the bell ringing tender. Small but heavy.
I am not surprised you got a road name different than the catalog. My childhood postwar train set came with a different 6464 boxcar from the one in the catalog. It wasn't something my father requested, so it was either done by the dealer or done by Lionel.
0:31 I love the smell of (model) trains in the morning.🚂🚞🛤
I dig the smoke pellet aroma. Addicting.
Very nice nostalgic video Chris, I love all the trains from Lionel. I fell in love with the Santa Fe A-B-A with passenger cars but never got one at Christmas. I did get a M&StL GP9 work train with "magna traction" in the 60's which I loved and had it for years. It came with the M&StL box car a gondola, a crane car and the crane tender equipped with Super O track and a transformer for just over $100. I've been missing your video's so keep 'em comin'.
I would love to see a MPC version some time, anyways Awesome Video RBP!
Thanks! I have done a few MPC videos in the past but never focused only on the Post War Era
Great video Chris, I have the Santa Fe freight set from 1957. Catalog also. Still runs great.
🟢Born in ‘52, many of us had ‘train sets.’ I had HO because of space. 50-60’s function was the word. Switches, many hours, and running 2-5 trains/time. Analogue, AC, and wonderful. I had a cousin who had Lionel in the 50’s that was stupefying. 32 switches, trap door access, 100’+ track, cities, mountains, his dad was talented, as was he. It was a terrific time. If there was a golden era in America, it was then. It was good. Food, family gatherings, school, PLAY. 🇺🇸 🌞 Great, professional grade video. Your delivery, content, smile and eyes are as good as network tv, but truthful. I’m sure you’ve heard it, but you could do J Carrey. Spot on. Beautiful, functional layout, A-1 sharp, lots of open track. Trains really 🟢 go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks… again, soon. … 🔴
Thank you for the comment and I have heard the Jim Carrey thing. Wonder if he collects trains?? Thanks for watching!
Another great video Chris!
Really enjoyed your vintage trains, keep collecting
Thanks, will do! I have barely scratched the surface. So many sets to explore
Excellent video ... one of the best, if not the best! Build a super o layout. Not to nitpick ... but I guess you realize that the 1960's berkshire set has a 1950's 736 berkshire on the point. The postwar era is simply the best. If maintained the postwar trains will run the same today as they did approximately 70 or more years ago. Once again, the best!
Thank you!
BROTHERMAN " CHRIS " ! I LOVE ALL TRAINS, YOUR COLECTION IS GREAT BRO!! RUNNING OR NOT 👍 🤩😇🥰😍❤👌🤏✌🤞🤘👍👍👍👍👍👍❤🤍💙😃🙃😊🥰
Great video, and I can relate to the cool factor of these post-war locos. After a few years focused on building an HO layout, I've recently turned my attention back to American Flyer S Gauge. The postwar stuff. Unpacking my old fleet and getting everything running again has been a rewarding experience. The magic of these old, shall we say 'experienced' trains as they take to the rails again never wears off. It's the same with your Lionel stuff. Long may they run!
There are so many good pieces there, Chris. I love the 746; it's one I've been after for a little while. My first lionels were postwar 1950s, I knew the original owner who got them as a boy as we used to talk trains. There not the most collectible but I treasure them just as much if not more that the fancier stuff.
There is something special when you can connect with the prior owner of the sets. I have so many vintage trains and will never know their story. Thanks for watching!
Great train show and collection. I like hearing about all the details and options. Nice collection.
Life long HO and N scaler here. I have to admit I couldn’t stand Lionel, but last year I got my first Post war set and I’m addicted to the vintage Lionel.
There is something to these old trains that is hard to explain
I was 5 in 1969 my dad got me a Lionel train set for Christmas,I bet today it would be something special😊I don't know what set it was.but at age 60 iAm a little kid inside and still love them,slot car tracks also,,i share this hobby with my grandsons and they love them ❤
If I ever get a house with a basement you can bet IL have a layout
Sounds like special time with your grandchildren!
The 1948/49 2146WS Three-Car Pullman set. Powered by a 726 Berkshire with a 2426W tender. My most expensive outfit. The sets you ran I have only seen in print. Thank you as it is nice to see them actually running. So they are treasures. The solenoid operated accessories that bussed are part of the charm (or curse) of that era as is the ozone.
1:05!! Love it!
Great video. Thank you. I like your idea of doing a video on Lionel accessories. That would be fun.......and with some luck you can get them to work properly!!
For me, the best set was the 2343 Santa Fe with the aluminum passenger cars. Thank you for your video. I enjoyed it very much.
It is an icon. Thanks for watching!
My favorite vintage train in this video was of course the Santa Fe ABA F units. My Gpa has that set that he got brand new as a kid and it in phenomenal shape, still running to this day. A good post war train you should get would be the General steam engine, that's another favorite of mine. Great video Chris!
The General is classic!
Very interesting video fond memories 👍🏻✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Ace venture, great video buddy. Love it and learned something new. Keep uo the great work. Yes I know I was picking a little.
LOL
I really like that 2525WS set... the J heading it is top on my list to acquire and that whole set looks very nice on your layout. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Gotta love postwar. Also you’ve gotta show us you’re prewar 700e soon!!!
Soon!
Some trains have more sedimental $ to some as it was their dad's or grandpa's train and being back priceless memories
Agree! I think you were at the shop the day I bought some of the trains for this video, haha!
Lionel's from the post war era are the best! I like the fact that you can repair them yourself! The modern one's are nice but due to electronics are beyond my ability to repair them!
Thanks, Chris. Those are good representations of postwar models. I quit bidding on eBay when I could no longer successfully snipe the bid in the last few seconds. No matter what my max bid might be, I was always outbid by exactly one dollar. I got tired of wasting my time, and eBay demands my method of payment prior to making a bid now, so I took the hint and stopped bidding altogether and buy most of my train items from Trainz now.
We had the 2525ws set growing up. We had the short stripe tender and it also came with the culvert loader and unloader. Our layouts were predominantly Super “0” and run endlessly by 2 little boys who were Lionel lovers (my younger brother and I). We always thought the 746 sounded like my mom’s sewing machine.😂. You should build a Super “0” layout. There are a few sticky details if you dare to pursue this. TCA used to be full of Super “0” experts.
Nice video Chris! My dad still has his 736 Berk from 1950. That's the first year of the 736. You need to add the Lionel 50th Anniversary set with the yellow Union Pacific FA's and yellow passenger cars. I grew up playing with the UP FA silver passenger set with the grey roof and red letters. Thanks for this post war blast from the past! ~Ricky
Thanks, Ricky! My local shop had those UP FA's and they just closed for retirement. I should have bought them before they closed their doors...
Yes very nice thanks for the memories. Happy New Year Chris.
Thanks! Happy New Year to you too.
I great video Chris! Happy new year to you and the family. I love my post war train collection. I run modern and when I want a change I break out one of my large post war trains. You can’t beat em they’re so simple but yet timeless.
i was at a local train show with a lot of old modelsets. After i got over my first disapointment about this "old stuff" i was amazed to see model sets how thes used to be, in a historic model world.
There is a different perspective when looking at these older trainsets. I think this is why they are appreciated by so many even when they do not have all of the proportions, rivets and sounds of the newer stuff. Thanks for watching and sharing!
Love the Old O Gauge Trains, I myself run all Marx O Gauge Trains that are great to have fun with.
Love your videos 😊
Thank you for watching!
Great video Chris. Gotta love those old Lionel trains.
these scale O trains are splendid and futur collectors , must stay in our collections!!!!!!
GREAT VIDEO CHRIS !! HAPPY NEW YEAR BROTHERMAN !! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACOOL MAN COOL!!👍😅
Happy New Year!
Very interesting video. Great insight into Lionel trains. For comparison, according to web sources, a 1958 $100 train would cost over $1000.00 today!!! Thanks for sharing your amazing enthusiasm and collection.
It's always interesting to see how much things have changed over the years. Thanks for watching!
All treasures here brother, no trash! They've ALL stood the test of time!
In fact, with the exception of the ones still in "Brand new, in the box, with all the paperwork" condition all Post-Wars are becoming a VERY economical way for newcomers to enter the hobby and with the advantage of being relatively easy t work on once you know how it's done. There's plenty of TH-cam videos to show you how in addition to books on the subject.
All Post-Wars are solid, rugged, reliable, and lend themselves to longevity.
I've got all the contemporary models I want so from now on I'm going Post-War, and in fact by purchasing ones in less-than-perfect exterior condition I've got some good candidates for customs paint jobs of my own.
Great video Chris! I'm sure you gotten some people thinking out there!
And Happy New Year to you and yours!
Sir your Attention to Detail on your Train Layout is Superb ! The Presentation of this Video is Stellar ! I am a New Subscriber !
Thank you and welcome aboard! Glad to have you here!
Happy New Year Chris from Scotland. Great vid, got my Hornby Dublo 3 rail track in 1961 (old school at that time) unfortunately had to give it away several years ago. Wish I had kept it. Bill
Happy New Year to you Bill!
The only O gauge train set I have is my late grandfather's 1930s Marx New York Central steam locomotive with mixed freight cars. Also all of the freight cars a tinplate. While the locomotive is a heavy die cast model. I have it displayed on the headboard of my 1950s midcentury bed. Which was also my grandparents. I'm quite honored to be the inheritor of both of those things. I also inherited my grandfather's G scale train set and streetcar. I do have a variety of HO scale stuff too, but I mainly model in N scale due to space. Plus I just really love N scale.
That's awesome, I love the classic tinplate stuff!
My Dad has a Lionel Santa Fe F7 set with freight cars from sometime in the early 70s. Ironically, the town I live in operates a railroad explicitly for tourists, and 8 years ago, bought 2 F7 locos and restored them, so I see them all the time. But they repainted them.
This was a nice change of pace. Thank you!
Very nice, Chris! Post-war is what I grew up with and is the best. I run all conventional on my Chooch's Trains channel, with post-war Lionel being in the majority, along with my AMT passenger cars. I do run some Marx and an MTH Rail King locomotive along with a bunch of later, modern freight cars, which I like, because they roll easily. I like the fact that your 1964 773 has the proper tender, instead of the Pennsy tender, which permeated the line-up, in the mid-50's and beyond. The 2343 Santa Fe F's look good pulling the later, Super Speedliner cars. War Bonnets should always pull stainless steel passenger cars. The freight sets were so diverse and some of yours have cars that are pretty desirable. The Scout sets evolved from the pre-war Lionel Jr. sets. They are pretty decent sets and offered lots of play value for a great price. I like the smoking caboose, which was a neat addition, just like the prototypes. For whatever reason, all of mine have decided to quit smoking. I guess that they wanted to 'kick' the habit. Either way, your post-war collection is quite nice and it's fun watching them run on your layout. As always, an excellent video.
Great video Chris, love the post war trains.
Fantastic post war Lionel trains,all equal in my view.👍
That’s an awesome layout! Love it. The Santa Fe F3 ABA is my favorite set. My dad had that set when I was little. Would love to get ahold of one.
I think almost any train era has items that can become vintage collectibles with age. After all, in more recent years even stuff from the MPC era has become collectible. It makes me wonder if in the future people will start collecting LTI era trains as well.
I love seeing all these vintage trains then seeing my little postwar set I have around the Christmas tree. thing can take anything with how much it gets derailed by my sister
Very interesting channel. I came into the possession of some Lionel Lines and American Flyer items recently
Chris, I share your feelings of postwar lionel..I enjoyed this video very much! I collect and operate vintage lionel on my simple layout. I am lucky to have some of the items you showed us. I have been trying to buy that 6557 smoking caboose..I think it would be spectacular for you to build a super O layout .