For a new guy purchasing Tin Plate rolling stock, knowing the couplers and the different cars just by sight is kind of difficult, because the auto couplers came on both the 800 series type cars and the 2600 series cars also, some even have different length couplers depending on the rolling stock. I have been looking at this Tin Plate rolling stock sense I was a little boy, am able to mix the 2600 rolling stock with the correct 800 series cars for running, it takes a life time to correctly identity what cars can be run together, the best way for a novice purchaser to purchase is to take one of the cars with you, as you purchase and physically couple the cars together and if possible have the cars run on a layout together.
PCRR/Dave
A mix of original Lionel 800 & 2600 Tin, along with 800 series MTH repro Tin.
