StevefromPA...just want to register INSANE Jealousy...a TRAIN SHOW! We have not had one in our entire TCA Division or in even in our area since January...all have been cancelled including those scheduled for November. Lucky Guy!! Nice work finding the "Ives" 610/612 from 1931-32. My Ives reference labels them as "Irvington Production" referencing the Lionel manufacturing plant in Irvington N.J. (believe it or not, in the late 40's I lived with my parents very close to this plant). You might like to know that IAW the same reference, the price of the 610 was $2.95 in '31 and $2.15 in '32. The 612 was slightly more expensive at $3.00 in '31 and $2.95 in '32. Actually while this sounds incredibly cheap by today's prices, we need to remember that '32 was the depths of the Great Depression. Anyway Great Cars and thanks for sharing.
Fatman thanks for the update...the 0-4-0 wheel designation plus 1 dome and a teardrop shaped stack sets the loco in the 3000 /494/495 series. However variants of this loco were still made both pre and post war, starting in 1939. When you get the loco, post some pictures of the design/colors/lettering on the side boards and I can help you date it more precisely if you desire.
By the way your cast iron, black, Joy Line loco would date from about 1930. My data says that the CW loco with a black cast iron boiler, unpainted steel motor side frames, 8-spoke flanged wheels, no side rods, strap spring motor with fly ball governor, and ringing bell was made between 1930-31. As best I can see in the picture, if the key is a "slip on" over a square shaft, then its 1930. A screw - on key would be slightly later into '31. Joy Line listed this as a type "102" loco and it predates the sheet metal boiler loco I posted which dates from about 1932-1935.
Happy Weekend
Don
