BRIDGING THE GAP
This caboose is a significant part of the world of LIONEL electric trains In that it is one of what many electric train collectors refer to as a transitional piece; an early post world-war II item, based on late pre world war II production. These transitional items are far from plentiful, and what few can be found are usually in pretty rough condition. This particular early post war caboose is an exceptional item. It wears its seventy years of existence well and shows no ugly signs of abuse or of any attempts at restoration or alteration. This is a great find for any collector or any operator that enjoys "running the trains" without having to first apply major attention and/or repairs.
When I received this LIONEL #2457 caboose, All it needed for operating was a few drops of lubricant in the appropriate places. I put it on the track, connected it to the end of a short string of similar aged freight cars, and took it on a test run around my lay-out. The bright red caboose stayed on the track and did a grand job of finishing out the manifest; Even the light-bulb worked, as did the electric coupler. I suppose I could touch up the paint in a few places, and maybe tend to a few slight bends and kinks in the cat-walk and ladder-work, but they are hardly noticeable. Actually, these minor blemishes support the reputation of durability, earned and demonstrated by this near-exact scale replica of a Pennsylvania Railroad N5 caboose.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned