Reply to "How did Lionel/K-Line get the "shine" on the aluminum cars?"

Okay - I googled it and am convinced.  Plating is expensive and problematic.  Clear anodizing sounds about right.

I also have a Sunset aluminum coach, and it appears to be painted.  Fits in well with the others, most of which are polished.  Of interest: I just brought the Sunset home this evening to lower it - the major obstacle to lowering is the brake cylinder on each truck side frame - it impacts the part of the extrusion that holds the floor.  The decision will be made later, whether to mill the extrusion or simply file the brake cylinder.  I am leaning toward the latter.