Similar story here many years back down the road day before garbage curb pickup i saw an old prewar lionel box in decent condition including its graphics being tossed with regular cardboard boxes so took it home.
It says Lionel outfit # 133 which i believe had the prewar 262 engine / tender , small tank car , gondola and caboose.
Have on shelf an original 262 engine /tender with the 2green /cream -607/08 observation car just not sure what box that set came in.