A blow dryer might work, just be careful with how hot you get it, some blow dryers on their hot setting could end up softening the tape as well as the glue. For me it wouldn't be that big a deal, if I buy an accessory it is to use it, not buying it for its collectible value. I also wonder if 30% of the price will be in having the original box if the item in question is not particularly distinguished, if you buy an operating accessory in decent but not pristine shape and it isn't particularly rare, I suspect those buying it are buying it to use it, not as a collectible (in other words, how angry I would be in my view is if the item is particularly a collectible as versus something people want to use). Me, I would be like some others said, I would slit it open, take it out and use it (play with it), I don't buy things as a collectible or assume it will be at some point, odds are that the stuff I buy won't and quite frankly I likely wouldn't live to see it become collectible if it were
Wow. I'm not a collector or "new in the box" stuff at all (I buy train stuff to use) but that'd drive me nuts.
Looking back, I don't think I've ever gotten anything off eBay where the seller put postage on the original outside box, regardless what it was...
I have used an iron with steam on high. Don't touch the actual iron to the tape, but get it close enough, an inch or so, so the steam works on the tape.
Above:
"Cut that tape open, toss the box, plug her in and enjoy."
Not the point.
I do not collect PW items (I do casually "collect", when convenient and a value, other things - like Williams/Weaver brass locos), but, when I see a PW (for example) item that is also in the original box, I do understand the additional appeal of this. I won't buy it, but I get it. If the box is already gone, fine; but if it's there - yes, it adds intellectual value to the piece and, I guess, monetary value too.
Nothing new. Eons ago I bought a Lionel 465 Sound Dispatching Station from Polk Bros. in NYC. It was mailed and arrived in its original factory box wrapped in tape, no other protection.
Just enjoy your item.
Ron M
Heat works. I use a hot air gun but hold it at least ten inches away and move it constantly until the tape starts to ripple. Lift slowly until you feel resistance, then apply more heat. Hair dryer might work. Haven't tried that though.
Its not a total loss.
Pete
You had me a little worried. I bought from Stout a mint condition 1503WS set and figured they would put all of it in a separate shipping box: and they did.
Their description:
Lot 2170: Lionel Postwar Freight Set 1503WS with 2055 6026W 6462 6456 6465 6257 MINT Boxed
Description: Lionel postwar freight set no. 1503WS, circa 1953 in individual OBs and set box. The set contains; 2055 steam loco with smoke pellets, tamper and instruction sheet, 6026W tender, 6462 black NYC gondola with six wooden barrels, 6456 black Lehigh Valley hopper, 6465 silver Sunoco two-dome tank, 6257 caboose, eight curve track sections, three straight track sections, 6019 remote control track section, 1033 90-watts transformer factory sealed in OB, CTC lockon, set of uncut billboards, instruction booklet and service station pamphlet. The loco and tender have been test run, C8-9. The cars have never been run, C9-10. The individual OBs have all flaps attached. The set box has all flaps attached, but has some skinning.
This is my first, and only, complete set with boxes. I run everything I have and have no boxes for them (save the modern stuff) but thought I'd get one mint set to relate back when I was 7 and got a brand new SF F-3's with 4 passenger cars set.
Attachments
Images (2)
Unpacked everything and put it in a nice antique, glassed, enclosed cabinet so no dust gets on it. Very nice set. Test run engine with smoke, whistle and magna-traction with never used cars plus all the accessories that came with the set, including inspection stickers and literature. For me, pretty cool: got it in the family room.
Attachments
Images (16)
I have had this same set since the early '70s acquired from a coworker. It was my only Lionel train for about 30 years until I got back into three rail.
It was nearly identical to my orgininal 1950 2035 set save the engine and tender, sold off when I got into HO.
Yours is a very fine example.
Pete
Had the same happen to me when I purchased a particular freight car off the bay. Original orange box was wrapped in clear tape and had the shipping label attached to it. yes, I got a response back from the seller when he read the feedback I left. Although I have bought items off ebay, I still prefer to purchase from reputable dealers such as Graham's Trains, Dave's Trains, and others I deal with. They know the value and take great care to ship proper in all manners necessary.
Jesse TCA 12-68275
