Is this original paint?

Actually...now that I look at several of this seller's locomotives, it appears many look to have had touch ups and repaints, though nothing is stated in the description.  

I do not know if the paint is original, but I think these locos were dip painted - dipped in a vat of paint and then hung up to dry. That would explain the gray sideways run on the door.

He's got 2000 transactions with 100% positive feedback. Maybe the transactions are all buys, rather than sales. Or maybe his stuff is actually good.

Old Lionels were dipped and hung to drain and dry. If that was repainted it was a long time ago. I sure wouldn't pay that price for it.  33s  are pretty common.

I'm totally with Jim.  You'd be hard pressed to get $300 for a C9 example with the box.

Bruce

Yeah, I'm not looking to buy at this point.  Just trying to learn before I pull the trigger on anything.  So far, it seems like a lot of this stuff is not tough to come by, it is just tough to come by it in decent original condition.  And when you do, you have to pay a small fortune for it.  

Look at the red around the windows on the second side shot.  Someone was a little shaky with the brush.  That's a pretty rough model, original paint or not.

Why not write to the seller and ask? 

It is listed as a large gear 'super motor'.  I do not think so!! Looks like a normal 33 motor to me.  I would avoid this one.  A running 33 in this condition would only go for $150.00 tops at our shop. Just my 2c worth.   Merry Christmas everybody.  Harry

I could write and ask, but again I'm trying to learn what to look for.  While many of you have said that honest sellers will usually say what has been done to it, my experience with other antiques has taught me to never trust any seller and know as much as possible before pulling out my wallet.  I like knowing what I'm getting before I buy it rather than learning about it after I've made the purchase.  

I could write and ask, but again I'm trying to learn what to look for.

If the seller claims it is all original, and you decide that it is not, then you'll know something about that seller.
Frankly, I don't expect this thread to be around long.
This sort of topic is generally barred.

the wheels have some pretty good cracks in them.

Morganprenderville are reputable dealers.  Their products are alleged to be original but they charge and get premium prices for what they sell.  I have never bought anything from them, but their reputation is well known in the New York tri-state area.

george posted:

Morganprenderville are reputable dealers.  Their products are alleged to be original but they charge and get premium prices for what they sell.  

george,

You're absolutely correct. Over the years I've made several purchases from them and I was not disappointed. That said, I would not pay anywhere near the asking. My advise to the OP would be to sign up for Stout's Auctions.

Just to be clear, this thread was not to question the seller.  I simply grabbed one 'questionable' item off of ebay and used it as an example to ask questions about.  Like I said, I'm just trying to learn and I haven't had a chance to get my hands on too many originals yet.  So until I do, I was just hoping to learn some from the more knowledgeable folks on this forum and I used this particular locomotive as an example.  

   Very reputable and established seller. The loco is all original, they really know there stuff. This 33 is more a piece for an advanced collector seeking variations. The gray color is the key here, a scarce livery for the lowly 33. 

  Often sellers forget a lot of the eBay buyers are novice collectors, and assume everyone has knowledge on their level. I myself am very guilty of that. Im sure most are happy to answer any questions. 

 Ebay is a tough venue for those new and less knowledgable in the hobby to buy from. You have every Tom Dick and Harry selling whatever they find. Fortunately those intentionally publishing fraudulent listings seem few and far between. But they do exist. Most of the reproduction and repainted pieces being sold as originals, appear to be from sellers that really don't know. They inherited it, or purchased it at a sale hoping to make a buck with no knowledge of trains themselves. Although there are creeps, some seem to be able to get away with it without consequence again and again. 

 I got into the train business late, and learned quickly from more established dealers that reputation is everything. The hobby is too small to pull one over on anyone, it gets around quickly. We really are a group of gossipy old hens! 

 This all said, my advice to the OP, and other newbies is to always seek guidance from advanced collectors, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You will find most sellers are happy to help!

Paint runs are quite common in Lionel factory paint, especially teens and 20's era. These show up in both dipped and sprayed trains.

Also, after about 1917 Lionel stopped using primer before paint, and so paint chips are extremely common.

Yes that is original paint. It is not a Super Motor.

Tin

I think the seller has revised his listing, and removed any reference to a "super motor".