Tail End Tuesday

Well hello all you T.E.T. fans, thought I might continue with some "oldies" for this week so after the American Flyer 117 from the 20's last week, here is a Lionel lithographed caboose from nearly 2 decades later, the 1940's. Its the Lionel 1682 lithographed caboose from 1940-41. In general, Mr. Lionel Cowen didn't like lithographed cars, felt they were inferior to his hard baked enamel finish, but during all the Depression years lithography enabled him to produce well detailed trains at far less cost. Many children's families during this period were able to afford toy trains because of the economy of the lithographic process. Although these cars started when Lionel bought the Ives Corporation in 1933 they evolved under Lionel's own design and in fact became very popular. They made up quite a number of low and middle priced sets all they way to the end of the pre-war catalog in 1942.

This is the last version of the Lionel 1682 caboose (after all its "tail end" Tuesday) and it was offered in 1940-41. A principal dating feature is the color which changed from light / medium red to tuscan in 1940. This last version has 8 wheels, black journals, and the last version of the box couple with the simulated knuckle on the top of the casting. It only has one coupler although a version labeled 1682X did come with two.

So here is the Lionel 1682 NYC lithographed caboose in tuscan brown with terra cotta trim.

Here is the end view showing the door. Note there never was a railing on this car or any other added trim. The simulated knuckle on the top of the box coupler casting is clearly visible here.

Given the age of this car, when I purchased it the seller told me it came with a box but I had no real expectations about what the condition of that box might be. When I received it I was astonished at the condition of the some 80 year old box and I was impressed at how the seller preserved the box. He utilized a sealed heavy plastic outer wrap that was hermetically sealed on the open ends to provide a tight moisture proof seal. This is perhaps a method others might try if you have something that you intend to store for a significant period. Note that this is without doubt an original box as the car number is clearly printed on the sides and end flap.