It may be useful to note that starting in1955 Lionel began asking dealers to make up their own sets for customers as well as sell pre-made factory sets. In fact, to my surprise, that is what my childhood set turned out to be.
I had asked for a small o gauge set from what turned out to be the 1953 Lionel catalog which had been given to me in 1955 by a family friend. Naturally, I didn’t realize that it wasn’t still current, so when my folks went to get me the set I wanted, they found out it wasn’t available anymore and had to have the dealer make up something similar for me. Actually, what I got was comparable, but also entirely different from what I had been drooling over in the old catalog. The loco I had asked for was the #685 but that had been superseded by the new #665. The same model, but by then with a feedwater heater added to the front.
Naturally, I was pleased with what I received anyway!
Oh, and I had asked for a model “TW” Transformer but got the new in ‘55 “LW” model instead which was very nice and did the job, too. My folks threw in plenty of O gauge track and a pair of manual switches, as well, so I had plenty to keep me occupied on my 5x9 foot layout. I picked up a few Plasticville buildings after Christmas, too
Sweet memories of a gentler time.