I own only modern trains except for this Lionel 1615 that I bought about a year ago because I wanted to have at least one authentic Lionel piece from the 1950s that was “Made in USA,” which is what I had as a youngster. Today, while in the basement and inspecting my layouts, I began to study the 1615, which I keep on a stub track at the front of my 10’-by-5’ layout. So, I picked it up and began to look closely at it from every side, top and bottom. The manufacturing quality impressed me the most. And, after at least 62 years, no zinc pest and virtually no defects in the original paint that I could see – except for the effects of handling. Some light file marks are evident at the parting line on top of the boiler and cab roof. They must have been done by hand. Of course, modern technology has left this little locomotive behind. But it certainly is a good example of why Lionel trains were so highly respected when I was a boy.
Photos by:
MELGAR
