Was able to get down and see the box and contents tonight! But first, I’d like to share these sentiments in the spirit of thanksgiving:
@Nation Wide Lines (was hoping you would respond- the thread that I believe you and someone else put together on another forum has been a great reference and you’re such a helpful member) and @Robert S. Butler (Wealth of knowledge and guidance whom I remember as being helpful and supportive when I joined the forum and has helped stoke my fire for European Tinplate)- I know what I just said about you sounds “corny” and a lot of people would think they’re just empty compliments, but please know that I mean them- you’re great contributors to the Tinplate hobby and great guys!
Sorry for not being clear regarding the box- I had assumed that it was pretty standard across the industry to have the company logo and some “artwork” of either one of or a combination of the manufacturer name, a manufacturer’s notable/popular products and/or a kid or kids playing with a train. Such as in the picture below:
The mall was closing up so I had to move fast. The box was hard to get to, and I ran out of storage on my phone after taking one picture. Regardless, I can now more accurately describe the set.
First, the box. It’s cardboard and just a little lighter in color than the Lionel box above. Here’s the picture of the box I was able to take:
It’s clearly not “off-white” haha. I’m sure Youve seen me mention my history of TBIs and the 2 bad ones I suffered in the past two January’s- somethings tend to blur although the things most affected are usually my cognitive functioning(critical thinking and trying to “put things together- this post has been exhausting) and in turn my short-term memory. I apologize for that, long day and i jumped into making this post to early. Back to the box,Also appears to have been beaten up pretty (all 4 corners of the top of the box are split ). This side is the only one on which I’m positive that there is a logo, not sure if the opposite side shows this logo or number. Also, the other half of the logo not in my picture is somewhat faded/scuffed. The other Two sides are plain cardboard. the top looked like regular worn cardboard with a large portion in the center looking as if it had a water stain but it’s possiblt just discoloration due to age. Unless there was supposed to be some picture like the Lionel box there- that doesn’t bother me. Internally, there was a cross-shaped insert splitting it into 4 areas(presumably one for the engine, two for each of the coaches and possibly the 4th for track.
Enough about the box!- what was inside? The picture below, which I was able to find online, are the trains in the set
Black 1201 steeple cab- So it is indeed headed by the head-light-less 1201- Thank you Nation Wide. The engine isn’t assembled but the pieces are in good shape. Whether or not it’s all there will be a major factor. I will say that, at least as it’s pictured above AND the condition of the pieces in the box, I actually think I like it better than my 1270. The lettering/logos(motor 1201, American Flyer Lines) are in great shape and the black paint is immaculate
The rolling stock- it is as I described it and did indeed “alligator”- a bit. Not all the track was there nor was there a transformer.
There was some tissue paper as well as track, but not enough for a full loop.
when it comes to determining the price i think it can be broken down into 4 areas: condition and value of the coaches, how much of the engine is there(is there a motor? Are the frame, body and shells present?), the box’s condition, and completeness.
given this info, thoughts? Specifically regarding the box- is this what a prewar Flyer Set box looked like? outside and on the inside?
