Lionel #10 need a bit of information

Nice find, it certainly looks in good enough, original condition to have some value. Don't think it is rare but if it is in runnable condition I would say $500 or so for the set. Better condition -more. Is he keeping it ?

I think he is keeping it. But I did say to get it checked out by someone who knows what they are doing before even trying to run it

The train is from Lionel Outfit No. 352 - 10 loco, 332 railway mail car, 339 Pullman car and 341 observation car.

circa 1926? not sure

well that gives us someplace to start.  Thank you to carl and jim. he also mentioned that he had a "street light". I haven't seen a pic of that yet.

The loco needs a bit of work. Most likely new wheels and correct headlights as well as the correct coupler. Common color of Mojave. I recently sold an excellent condition set in the box for $350. In this condition with the loco in average condition valus is probable at $200 max.

Tin

Here in western Pa., I think a set would go for more than that.  The Standard prices are usually higher or I would buy more especially the bigger engines.

The peacock version of that set routinely sells on eBay for $200-250.

HTH.

SJS

Nice find.
If it came into my hands, I would get it running, and give it a light cleaning.

From what he tells me the plan is to get it back on the rails. He still has the original transformer with the original cord on it. I told him to have it checked before he puts power to her. He is close to Brasseur Electric Trains and suggested that would be a good place to go.  Any thoughts on them?

No thoughts on Brasseur, other than they have been around for a long time.

If the train were mine, I would put the original transformer away, and get something newer to run the train. I doubt those original transformers could meet todays safety standards.

Any suggestions on a different transformer? Can a CW80 run it or does he need something bigger?

I run my Standard gauge-one at a time- with a like-new Lionel LW rated at 125 watts. Bigger is always better. Hope he gets it cleaned up and running. Use the elecrical contact cleaner on the motor.

All I can say is THANK YOU for all your help. This is truly a learning experience for me and him.

I love everything about these trains.  One reason is that they are very easy to have repaired and brought back to running order.  

Sometimes a quick go through of the motor, cleaning and lube, and she'll be running the rails like she did in the 1920's!

My experience with Brasseur has been positive. They stock common Standard Gauge parts and have a good reputation for service. 

A CW80 might be a little small to run prewar Standard Gauge. Those old open-frame motors like a lot of juice. A rebuilt LW would be a good choice; a TW is even better for Standard Gauge, although a lot of people don't like the TW because of its non-standard design. I've been running Standard Gauge with a TW for a couple of years and it's worked well, including dual-motor locomotives like the Super 381.

An original transformer that old is an iffy proposition at best. Before any attempt to use an old transformer, it should be taken apart and examined by a qualified repairman. There could be anything from cracked insulation to short circuits to a spider's nest inside that case. At the very least it will almost certainly need a new cord. I once took apart a prewar Z transformer that looked fine on the outside and discovered major cracks in the case, among other problems. I was able to rebuild it and put it back in service, but it wasn't easy. 

Brasseurs  is great to deal with.

  You should have a min. of 100 watt for the train and 3 lighted cars. An RW, lw or TW would be sufficient.  The CW80 breaker will kick trying to run the 10 set. The old transformer doesn't have a circuit breaker, and is just plain dangerous to use.

 "the old man".

Regarding transformers:

A potential issue will be the voltage range of the transformer. Prewar Lionel transformers went up to 25 volts. Most postwar ones max out at 16 to 20 volts. It has been quite a while since I ran a standard gauge engine, not sure how much voltage they actually require to run at a reasonable speed. (would depend on the consist anyway).

quote:

. I once took apart a prewar Z transformer that looked fine on the outside and discovered major cracks in the case, among other problems. I was able to rebuild it and put it back in service, but it wasn't easy. 

IMHO, a "Z" transformer is of fairly modern construction. I would not hesitate to use one that has been serviced to run your train. In fact, I used a "Z" as an accessory transformer on my last big layout. (big for me anyways)

When I think of a transformer that was likely to have come with a 10 set, I am thinking of the metal cased transformers with a bunch of contacts on the top, where the voltage is changed in small increments by moving an arm from contact to contact.
Cloth covered cords.

Sometimes the insides of the transformer are filled with some sort of tar or resin.

Don't know how you would service one, or even replace the cord.

(Not describing any particular model, just some general characteristics of some old transformers)

I use a Z now on my layout-never had a problem. i like it.