My guess is that the 167 controller was purchased separately to permit much easier reverse operation.
The 1940 1059 set had the low priced 1039 transformer which had no reverse button. But if you hooked it to the 167 controller you could reverse the locomotive with the push of a button. The 1059 set did not have a whistle in the tender, but if a whistle tender had ever been purchased, the 167 could activate the whistle as well.
The 1059 set also appeared in the 1941 catalogue. The locomotive was now equipped with an "electric"front coupler and all cars were equipped with "electric couplers".
In 1942, the set was renumbered 1130 with the exact same rolling stock.
So it is quite possible that the set was acquired in 1942 or 1943 as you remembered.
Lew Schneider
