harmonyards posted:bob2 posted:I agree with the "be cautious" admonition. As far as I can tell, the 6-18005 model of 1985 or so is almost identical and not susceptible to zinc pest. You might have to change driver tires and add a few details to get it exact.
High price for a 700E was, I think, $32 grand, sealed in original box. Imagine - value would drop to four grand if buyer opened the box and found a perfect model - or to zero if more likely he found warped castings.
I think prices have dropped recently anyway. Too many nice new diecast steam models - hope they don't warp in time.
Yes, the 6-18005 model Bob is referring to is a fine runner and is a spitting image of the 30’s models. It can be had for not so stupid money, and there will be way less of a chance of you being burned.....the 6-18005 was made in 1990 usually, 3 or 4 of them surface on the popular auction sites.........Pat
Most zinc-alloy die-cast locos never warp. Ever.
The 1990 700E (6-18005) is indeed a fine model, and essentially is the 1930's loco come to life. There can be a problem with the sliding valve guide part: a small boss (pin) on the side is too short to positively engage the hole in the valve gear combination lever (I'll call it; it's correct-ish...). The lever will slip off the guide. The corrected part can often be found on eBay; Lionel has the part for the new 700E (identical). I am not sure if all of the 18005's had the short-boss part or not, and I am not sure what kind of issue it causes when run.