Postwar Originals vs Postwar Celebration Series

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I just got a postwar die cast metal #35 lamp post. I paid $20 for it, and it has all the original pieces, and the original box.

 

Very nice. Those #35 lamp posts are often found with one or more of the spikes broken off the cap, and/or the plastic lens cracked or burned or melted.

 

They were reproduced by Chicago Lines in a number of different colors. These had pigtail wire leads instead of a terminal block like the original Lionel ones.

 

MTH also make reproductions. I think the MTH ones also came in several colors, and had the Lionel style terminal block.

 

I believe that the original Lionel #35 was offered prewar and postwar.

Thanks for the info!

But now that I look at it, the plastic shade does have a crack in it. There are no burns or any sign of melted plastic.

Sometimes, NOS Lionel #35 shades can be found, but they are almost always warped, and will crack when one tries to put them on the lamp post. I tried softening one by soaking it in hot water first, but no dice.

 

They were available as reproduction for quite a while, I think they were by Chicago Line based on when they became available. I am not certain whether they are still around. If they are, the current ones are probably MTH.

I was actively collecting Lionel lamp posts for a while, but that was some time ago.

 

By the way, the original Lionel ones came in silver or grey. The cap should match the body of the post.

 

Another distinguishing characteristic of the Chicago Line ones: the cap is glued to he shade, no finial or harp.

I like all toy trains, but with that said, originals are obviously going to be the most sought after, but my problem is trying to find good ones for an affordable price. I can't roll with the big dogs so I've settled for MPC & LTI era reissues because they're in my price range. People that typically see my layout don't know the difference anyway. My son is 16 & doesn't fully grasp the change in the timeline of toy trains & Frankly doesn't care because he just likes what he likes & thats it. We both prefere US production for reasons of patriotism & tradition, but I do admit his C&O F-3's from China run great & look awesome.

I don't look at this as to what version is worth more. The Texas Special example you have shown in the PWC is far more desirable to me. The look of the engines is by itself a determining factor.