Lionel service station sets

6-1187 Illinois Central GP-9 set from 1971.

What is going on with the box art? The 8141 Steamer pictured upper right was my first set.

That particular box lid was used for non-cataloged outfits from 1971-1973.

The box art is a composite of the illustrations used for three different sets cataloged in 1970 and 1971. An additional sticker was added to identify each unique set contained therein.

TRW

Note also that his was also the first post-1966 "O" gauge set.

Anybody know what was packed in that orange, late-postwar style box under the track???

Jim

Another photo from the Greenberg book, which mentions a 5022 remote section in older Hillside box.  In the first photo I posted, only 4 boxcars are visible, as the set should contain 5.  One thing that surprises me in the Greenberg photo is the set is shown with a small transformer yet the label doesn't indicate a transformer as being included.

There are a couple of things wrong with this set above. The instruction sheet is from 1973, as well as probably the transformer(72 or 73).

The small Hillside box in this pic is probably a UCS. The orange box in the other set above looks like the same type sitting up narrow side down.

Ok, now this set box photo makes more sense without the transformer.

Jim,

Please..tell! Anything to help put this thread,"back on track", Thank you.

Pappy, looks like we have an answer, thanks to Ed and Rob.

Those early MPC years had many postwar carryovers that were not quite extinct yet.

It makes sense that UCS track sections would be something in abundant supply in those transition years.

Thanks, guys.

Jim

Does Lionel still do Service Station Sets?  I don't recall seeing one in some time.

As pointed out, the Greenberg set photograph for the set has a few problems.

The transformer should NOT be included, and a hat-tip to Rob for catching the incorrect 1973-75 era 70-8352-250 instruction sheet.

Jim, the postwar box is indeed the uncoupling track. All the track was still made in Hillside at this time, but I don't know if the final "pack-out" of this set was done there or in Michigan.

Lastly, take the Greenberg "Uncatalogued Sets" chapter (where that photo originated) from the 1970-1991 Volume 2 book with a grain of salt. We've learned A LOT more in the last 25 years about the oddball sets manufactured, especially the ones from the early 1970's. Heck, I just bought a 1973 set recently that I wasn't even positive it existed. Sure enough....

TRW

No, I killed them in the early 2000's. Sales were down (after a few admittedly odd sets in the late 1990's) and the thought had run its course. When the variety of products offered in the 1970's and 1980's was much smaller, it was easier to develop a product that stood apart from the rest of the product line offered that year.

By the early 2000's, the dramatically-larger product lines offered each year made it difficult to come-up with a singular offering that was differentiated from everything else.

After one final set (2001) and a slight change in concept to a unique diesel roadname in 2002 (the D&H U30C), the idea was retired.

TRW

PaperTRW, thank you.

One of the last SS sets is one of my favorites to pull out of the box and run every now and then. It's the Coastal Freight Set led by a D&H RS3 Switcher.

A really colorful set that has great eye appeal.

Todd, do you know if the "Dealer Exclusive Sets" in the 2015 Signature catalog (pages 100 to 105) are related to the retired Service Station sets? Thanks 

Chris Dunn

Wow, I grew up with MPC trains and still get excited when I see the colorful box art!

Ed, what Greenberg book are you referring to, that contains the photo(s) in question??

Thanks,

Ted

Thanks, Todd, for the confirmation on the postwar box contents.

Jim

Here is one like mine. Mine curiously has an extra 'R' on the end of 'Silver Star', as in 'Silver Starr'.

Ted,

Photo is from Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1970-1991 Volume 2.  Book focuses on Special production items, sets and accessories.  Published in 1991.