I was recently offered an original Lionel Standard Gauge #5 "thick rim" locomotive and three frieight cars. I am not real familiar with these so I have a few questions:
1-It does not have a tender but has a "coal box" looking piece to the rear of the cab. Is that correct? Did they all come with tenders?
2-What cars would this engine have been supplied? It currently has three common 100 series freight cars with the "solid" trucks (not flex trucks) #112, 114, and 117. I do not think these are the Lionel Mfg. variations. Would/could this be correct?
3-What years was the thick rim #5 made?
4-It looks like the boiler front is removable. Is this correct? Maybe it is just loose and not attached?
5-I have not seen it yet. I just got two bad phone photos. The seller mentioned something about the boiler front and/or the cow catcher being wood. That does not sound right to me but I don't know.
6-Anything I should look for or be aware of?
It is being offered to me from a local, general line antique dealer that does not know trains. He got it from an estate that supposedly owned this set for a long, long time.
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the advice.
