@NOT LionelLLC posted:... and that get's to the root of the question; what makes a 6464, a 6464? There is no one answer, just lots, and I mean LOTS, of opinions, as John shared his. I've talked to innumerable people about this, and the top 3 answers are:
To be a 6464, it needs full rivet detail and double metal door guides.
or
To be a 6464, it has to have the digits 6464 on it.
or
Only cars issued prior to 1970 are 6464's; not matter what you call a car made after 1970, it's not a 6464.
Everyone should follow their own personal definition when making their own purchasing decisions. No one should buy something they don't want, regardless of what it's called.
Stu
I think the first two definitely nails precisely what is collectively considered a visual (key word: visual) hallmark of a 6464 boxcar.
If going with the 3rd opinion, you can also consider those may also say Lionel after 1969 is not Lionel, but I would have some doubt that you'd give that mindset even a minute of consideration compared to the other two. Omitting the key mold details is tantamount to playing much faster and looser with the 6464 number designation, I think. That's why I would have just assigned them a different number if faced with going with the 9700 series level of detail.
Glad you guys sold out, Stu, but labeling those as 6464 boxcars with those key visual cues in the molds omitted makes it anything but.
Again, just MHO.
